The H-9 Weekly Bazaar, popularly known as the Sunday Bazaar or Itwar Bazaar, has witnessed repeated fire incidents over the past several years. The recurring blazes have renewed concerns over safety measures, electrical infrastructure, and firefighting preparedness at the market. On Tuesday, a massive fire broke out in the C-Block, carrying dozens of shoe stalls.
Since 2017, the weekly bazaar has suffered five major fire incidents. Three of the fires occurred on Wednesdays, while the remaining two broke out on Tuesdays, highlighting a troubling pattern of repeated disasters.
The first major incident took place on August 24, 2017, when a massive fire erupted in Block C. The blaze destroyed around 550 stalls selling garments, utensils, and snacks. Additionally, authorities reported damage to 98 stalls in Block H and the shoe market.
Another major fire broke out on July 19, 2018, destroying about 110 stalls located in Blocks E and F. Subsequently, on October 30, 2019, another blaze gutted at least 300 stalls across Blocks D, E, and H.
The market again suffered heavy losses on December 7, 2022, when a fire engulfed 133 stalls. Officials confirmed that 101 affected stalls were located in Block F, while the remaining stalls were situated in Block E.
The most recent major incident occurred in July 2024, when a fast-moving fire destroyed nearly 700 stalls in the garment section. The blaze spread rapidly after rainfall, causing extensive damage across the market. Authorities suspected that an electrical short circuit triggered the incident.
The repeated fires have intensified concerns over the condition of electrical wiring, emergency response systems, and overall safety arrangements at the H-9 Weekly Bazaar. Officials have repeatedly stressed the need for stronger preventive measures to reduce fire risks and protect traders from recurring financial losses.
