CDA asked to explain 'fire safety lapses'
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has sought an explanation from the Capital Development Authority (CDA) chairman for not taking required fire safety steps in Sector H-9's weekly bazaar.
The premier took serious notice of The Express Tribune's report, which highlighted alleged shortcomings in fire safety arrangements at the weekly bazaar.
The explanation from CDA Chairman Sohail Ashraf prompted the civic authority to submit a detailed response outlining existing and planned safety measures.
According to the reply, the CDA informed the premier that an agreement had been signed with the Chinese government under which 21 modern firefighting and rescue vehicles would be provided to Pakistan as a grant by September 2026.
The fleet will include aerial platforms, water towers and command vehicles to strengthen the capital's emergency response capacity.
The authority also informed the premier that the CDA Board had approved the establishment of the Capital Emergency Services, modelled on Punjab's Rescue 1122 system.
In a detailed report submitted through the CDA chairman, Director Municipal Administration (MCI) Dr Anum Fatima stated that all required fire safety measures at the H-9 weekly bazaar had been implemented. In her letter, dated July 14, 2026, she said the authority was implementing the Prime Minister's Office's eight-point directives issued after the devastating fire at the market in July 2024.
Per the report, 12 emergency exits had been constructed, all access routes had been cleared of encroachments, and the market was under round-the-clock CCTV surveillance.
It added that 35 large 50-kilogram fire extinguishers and more than 100 smaller extinguishers had been installed throughout the market, while additional extinguishers had been placed at both ends of every lane. A fire tender also remains permanently stationed at the market during operating hours.
The CDA said electricity remained completely prohibited within the market. Only one generator is permitted during daytime trading hours and must be switched off after sunset. The storage of flammable materials has also been strictly banned to minimise fire risks.
According to the report, 75 inspections were carried out during the past three months, resulting in 60 notices being issued, while more than 100 solar batteries and gas cylinders were confiscated.