A multi-storey hotel in Naran, regarded as the pioneer of luxury hospitality in the Kaghan Valley, was completely gutted along with 10 adjacent shops after a massive fire broke out in the early hours of Thursday.
According to Rescue 1122, the fire erupted at around 5:00am at the Lalazar Hotel, rapidly spreading through the three-storey structure. Thick flames and smoke could be seen rising into the sky as the blaze intensified due to the extensive use of high-quality wooden material in the building.
Firefighters Battle Inferno for Hours
District Emergency Officer Ibrar Ali said that fire-tenders and rescue teams from Rescue 1122 and the Kaghan Development Authority rushed to the site immediately after receiving the alert.
“After hectic efforts lasting several hours, our firefighters managed to bring the fire under control,” he told reporters.
He confirmed that no loss of life was reported, as the hotel was closed to tourists for the winter season. “Only staff members were present in the building and they were safely rescued,” he added.
Wooden Structure Fuelled the Fire
Officials said the blaze spread quickly due to the excessive use of Deodar and Bayar wood, commonly found in the valley. The fire not only destroyed the hotel but also engulfed the surrounding market, reducing ten shops and two large godowns to ashes. Windows and doors of a nearby hotel were also partially damaged.
Historic Landmark Lost
Tehsil Chairman Balakot Syed Ibrahim Ahmad, the owner of the hotel, said the cause of the fire was yet to be determined. He recalled that the Lalazar Hotel, built in 1970, was the first luxury hotel in Naran, a key commercial hub of the Kaghan Valley.
Police have registered an FIR and launched an investigation to determine the cause of the blaze.
Cyber Crime Case: Pre-Arrest Bail Confirmed
Meanwhile, the only court handling cyber crime cases in Hazara Division has confirmed the pre-arrest bail of JUI-F leader Mufti Kifayatullah in a case registered under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016.
Advocate Yaser Huda Swati said the court confirmed the bail after hearing arguments from both sides. The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency had booked Mr Kifayatullah over alleged anti-state remarks made during a multi-party conference in Islamabad earlier this year.
