Cylinder blast rocks G-8 Markaz

ISLAMABAD:

In the early hours of Tuesday, a powerful gas cylinder explosion rocked Awan Plaza in G?8 Markaz, Islamabad, sending shockwaves through the neighbourhood and sparking panic among residents and shopkeepers. The blast occurred inside a local restaurant, Jhal Chakian, situated on the ground floor of the residential plaza. Witnesses reported hearing a deafening sound followed by smoke and chaos as people rushed out of nearby hotels and apartments.

This is not the first such incident in the area. Awan Plaza, though primarily a residential building, has long been home to a cluster of restaurants and small hotels operating without adequate safety measures. Residents have repeatedly raised concerns about the risks posed by gas cylinders stored in cramped kitchens, often without proper ventilation or fire safety equipment. Customers, staff, and families living in the plaza remain exposed to these dangers on a daily basis.

Authorities from the CDA and other relevant departments have previously taken action against unsafe commercial operations in residential buildings. However, locals allege that enforcement is short-lived, with businesses reopening after officials accept bribes or overlook violations. "Every time there's a raid, they shut down for a few days, and then they're back in business as if nothing happened," said one resident, visibly shaken by the latest blast.