Plaza inferno: shops gutted, billions lost
Hundreds of shops were ablaze and billions of rupees reportedly lost after an inferno ripped through the Time Centre Plaza in the provincial capital’s Saddar area between Sunday and Monday night.
The cause of fire could not be immediately known, however, it was believed that a short circuit was the reason behind the massive fire.
The authorities directed the Communication and Works (C&W) department to conduct a survey to evaluate the extent of the damage.
The two-storey Time Centre Plaza houses approximately 200 shops, including outlets specializing in mobile phones, UPS, and various other gadgets.
Peshawar Division Commissioner Muhammad Zubair, Deputy Commissioner Afaq Wazir, and district officers visited the site to assess the situation.
During their visit, they closely reviewed the rescue operations. The SP Saddar and assistant commissioner Peshawar Cantt briefed the Peshawar commissioner on the details of the rescue efforts.
Following the assessment, the commissioner instructed the officials of the C&W department to conduct a survey of the plaza once the fire is brought under control.
The department is also tasked with submitting a report detailing the usability of the building after the devastating incident.
Peshawar Deputy Commissioner Afaq Wazir said that upon receiving information about the fire, various response units, including those from the Pakistan Army, Rescue 1122, district administration, civil defence, police, and the cantonment board, along with the relevant Tehsil Municipal Administration (TMA), acted promptly.
After 12 hours of relentless efforts, the joint operation successfully brought the fire under control.
Afaq Wazir commended the performance of all the rescue teams involved in the operation. However, he expressed deep regret over the losses incurred as a result of the blaze.
Read Over 80 shops gutted in mobile market blaze
It was estimated that the inferno had caused a loss of billions of rupees.
Building sealed
Meanwhile, the Time Centre Plaza has been sealed by the authorities. Rescue sources said the fire extensively damaged the plaza's structure, especially its walls and ceilings. The building would remain sealed until a comprehensive report is filed by the C&W department.
Except for rescue personnel, entry of all people into the building has been suspended to avoid any untoward incident. Some shopkeepers tried to enter the building after the fire, however, they were stopped by the authorities.
The building’s fate would be decided in light of C&W department’s report.
Legislation for fire safety
Meanwhile, the Metropolitan government of Peshawar is taking steps to enhance fire safety measures in key establishments across the city.
Peshawar Mayor Haji Zubair Ali announced plans to introduce legislation mandating the installation of fire safety devices in major commercial centres, educational institutions, and medical facilities. Besides, emergency routes will be clearly marked on maps to facilitate swift responses during crises.
Expressing concern over the fire incident at the Time Centre Plaza, the mayor stressed the need for a stringent policy to prevent such tragedies in the future.
He announced that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government would be contacted, and orders would be issued to all districts and local government departments to enforce the installation of fire protection devices in prominent commercial centres and buildings.
During his visit to the site, he conveyed solidarity with the affected traders, saying that the entire community stands united in this time of grief.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 23rd, 2024.