H-9 Bazaar Fire Destroys 335+ Shops; Probe Launched

ISLAMABAD: (Web Desk) – A massive fire broke out at the H-9 Sunday Bazaar in Islamabad on June 23, 2026, which has now been brought fully under control after several hours of intensive firefighting operations. Cooling work at the site is currently underway.

Initial reports suggested that around 70 shops were affected; however, updated assessments confirm that more than 335 shops and stalls have been completely destroyed due to the intensity and rapid spread of the blaze.

According to preliminary findings, the fire is believed to have started due to a short circuit. Strong winds caused the flames to spread rapidly across at least nine different sections of the market. The worst-hit areas include fabric, carpet, and footwear stalls in Block C. Explosions were also reported from solar batteries stored in some shops, which further intensified the fire.

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Rescue 1122, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) Fire Brigade with more than 30 fire vehicles, and additional fire tenders from Rawalpindi participated in the operation. Fire tenders from the Pakistan Air Force also assisted in controlling the blaze. Fortunately, no casualties or serious injuries have been reported so far.

Members of the business community and affected stallholders have called for a transparent investigation into the incident. They demanded that only genuine and deserving traders be allotted stalls in the future and urged the formation of an independent inquiry commission to determine the exact cause of the fire, including the possibility of negligence or sabotage. They also appealed for immediate financial compensation or interest-free loans to help rebuild their livelihoods.

Islamabad district administration has launched a formal investigation into the incident. An eight-member inquiry committee has also been constituted to assess the damage and determine the cause of the fire.

According to the Deputy Commissioner’s office, the committee has been directed to submit its report within three days. The committee will identify the cause and spread of the fire, evaluate the extent of damage, review the response time of emergency services, and propose recommendations for reopening the unaffected sections of the market.

The incident has once again raised serious concerns over fire safety measures and emergency preparedness in densely populated commercial markets.