H-9, G-6 Weekly Bazaars Closed Over Fire Safety Concerns

News Desk

ISLAMABAD: The Directorate of Municipal Administration (DMA) has announced the indefinite closure of the H-9 and G-6 weekly bazaars, effective Friday, until comprehensive fire safety measures are implemented and clearance is obtained from the Capital Emergency Services.

In a notification issued by Director DMA Mohammad Tariq Latif, he emphasized the urgency of ensuring that appropriate fire prevention measures are in place at both sites.

The DMA expressed optimism for a swift response from the Director General of Emergency Services at the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to address these critical safety concerns.

The decision comes in light of a troubling history of fire incidents at the H-9 Weekly Bazaar, commonly referred to as the Sunday Bazaar.

Over the years, these fires have raised significant alarms regarding safety standards, particularly concerning electrical wiring and firefighting preparedness.

The most recent fire incident occurred in June, devastating Block C of the bazaar, which predominantly houses shoe stalls, and marked the fifth fire incident since 2017.

As the DMA takes these precautionary measures, the closure of the bazaars will impact local vendors and shoppers, highlighting the need for enhanced safety protocols in public spaces.

The DMA is expected to coordinate with emergency services to expedite the implementation of necessary safety measures, with updates on the situation anticipated in the coming days.