An inquiry report into the recent H-9 Market fire in Islamabad has identified multiple safety lapses and operational violations, recommending stricter fire safety measures and the cancellation of allotments for vendors who sublet their stalls. The report outlines the sequence of events and highlights concerns over emergency preparedness at the market.
According to the inquiry committee, the fire initially broke out at stalls C-432 and C-433. Shopkeepers attempted to extinguish the flames before emergency services were alerted at 9:51 p.m. Firefighters arrived at the market at 10:02 p.m., while Rescue 1122 Rawalpindi and Pakistan Navy water bowsers also joined the operation. The fire was brought under control at around 1:20 a.m.
Report identifies fire safety violations
The inquiry found that several vendors had been using their stalls as storage facilities and had sublet them to other occupants. The report stated that these practices contributed to poor compliance with fire safety standards.
It also noted that a designated fire tender was not present at its assigned location when the incident occurred. Instead of immediately informing rescue authorities, security staff initially attempted to extinguish the fire themselves.
The committee said the exact cause of the fire will be determined after the forensic investigation is completed.
Committee proposes stricter regulations
To reduce the risk of similar incidents, the inquiry committee recommended banning the storage of goods inside stalls during nighttime hours and conducting a comprehensive fire safety audit of H-9 Market.
The report also called for a ban on the use of tarpaulin sheets inside the market and recommended the immediate cancellation of allotments for vendors found to have rented out their stalls in violation of regulations.
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