Massive Fire Erupts Again at Lahore’s Hafeez Center Amid Monsoon Rains, Causing Panic and Major Losses
In a tragic and alarming turn of events, Lahore’s iconic electronics market, Hafeez Center, once again caught fire today, sending thick plumes of black smoke into the rainy skies above Gulberg. The fire broke out in the early hours of the morning, just as the city was grappling with intense monsoon downpours. The timing made an already dangerous situation even more difficult to manage for rescue teams, fire brigades, and concerned citizens alike.
The flames spread rapidly through the multi-storey commercial complex, engulfing multiple floors and causing chaos among shopkeepers and customers who were in or around the building. Videos circulated on social media showed the scale of the destruction, with orange flames raging behind clouds of dark smoke and firefighters battling the blaze in heavy rain.
Monsoon Rains Complicate Rescue Efforts
The city was already under a monsoon alert, and ongoing heavy rainfall had left many roads waterlogged. The area surrounding Hafeez Center, particularly along Main Boulevard and Ferozepur Road, was submerged in water, making it almost impossible for fire trucks and ambulances to navigate freely.
Rescue 1122 teams, however, acted quickly. Despite delays caused by flooded roads and traffic congestion, they arrived on the scene and began operations to contain the fire. Police officials also cordoned off the area to prevent onlookers from gathering too close to the burning building. Emergency teams used ladders and cranes to reach higher floors while continuously dousing water into the building.
According to one Rescue 1122 officer on the ground, the rainfall not only slowed access but also made footing slippery, posing further danger to rescue workers and increasing the risk of electrical hazards within the building.
Shopkeepers Devastated as Businesses Go Up in Flames
Hafeez Center is more than just a commercial center—it is the beating heart of Lahore’s electronics trade, housing hundreds of shops dealing in laptops, smartphones, accessories, and IT repair services. Today’s fire left many shopkeepers devastated as they watched their livelihoods go up in smoke.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of emotional chaos, as business owners ran toward the building in panic, trying to call employees and check on their shops. Many were seen crying or in a state of shock, helplessly watching from behind the security lines.
Muhammad Imran, a laptop dealer whose shop was on the third floor, told reporters:
“Everything I had was in that shop—millions of rupees worth of inventory. This is not just business; this is how I feed my family. I don’t know how I will recover from this.”
Many shopkeepers had no insurance coverage, a common problem in local markets, making recovery from such disasters extremely difficult without government support.
Cause of Fire Still Unknown
The exact cause of the fire is not yet known, and authorities have not ruled out any possibilities. However, this is not the first time Hafeez Center has witnessed such an incident. In October 2020, a massive blaze had similarly destroyed a large portion of the building, causing damage worth hundreds of millions of rupees. That incident had raised serious concerns about the building’s infrastructure, fire safety protocols, and emergency exit planning.
In today’s case, preliminary reports suggest the fire may have started due to an electrical short circuit or generator malfunction, but no official confirmation has been given so far. Eyewitnesses claim they first saw smoke rising from the backside of the building, possibly from the basement or one of the upper floors.
Repeated Incidents Raise Fire Safety Concerns
Repeated fire incidents in Hafeez Center have turned the spotlight on the lack of proper fire safety measures in Lahore’s commercial buildings. Despite multiple warnings and inspections in the past, it appears that the recommendations were either ignored or poorly implemented.
One senior fire official, speaking anonymously, expressed frustration:
“We have submitted fire safety reports before. Most buildings in Lahore, especially commercial plazas like Hafeez Center, lack proper firefighting systems, sprinklers, alarms, and safe exits. It’s a disaster waiting to happen.”
In the aftermath of the 2020 fire, authorities had vowed to ensure the implementation of strict safety codes. But with today’s incident, those promises appear to have been forgotten.
Authorities Launch Investigation
The Lahore district administration has announced an immediate investigation into the incident. Commissioner Lahore, Deputy Commissioner Rafia Haider, and senior police officials visited the site and met with rescue teams and shopkeepers.
According to a statement from the Lahore Commissioner’s office:
“A committee has been formed to determine the cause of the fire and identify any negligence. Action will be taken against those responsible.”
Meanwhile, Punjab’s Caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi tweeted his concern and directed all relevant departments to ensure quick relief and damage control.
Economic Losses Expected to Be Massive
Though an official estimate is yet to be released, economic experts believe the financial loss from this fire could run into the billions of rupees. Hafeez Center deals in high-end electronics and tech products, and even a few affected shops could mean millions lost in inventory alone.
With many shopkeepers operating on tight margins and often depending on informal credit, the loss of goods can lead to severe financial stress and even bankruptcy.
Public Reactions and Political Statements
News of the fire quickly spread across the country, and the public expressed anger and sympathy online. Many netizens criticized local authorities for failing to implement fire safety standards despite multiple prior incidents.
Opposition politicians also weighed in. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Mian Aslam Iqbal demanded a transparent inquiry and compensation for shopkeepers, while PML-N’s Khawaja Salman Rafique urged structural reforms in building regulations.
What Needs to Change: Fire Safety in Urban Markets
Experts believe today’s tragedy must serve as a wake-up call. Lahore, being one of the country’s most commercially active cities, cannot afford to have major trading centers like Hafeez Center operate without modern safety protocols.
Some essential measures that must be prioritized include:
-
Mandatory Fire Safety Audits – Regular inspections of all commercial buildings with strict penalties for non-compliance.
-
Sprinkler and Alarm Systems – Automatic systems that detect and suppress fires early.
-
Fire Exit Enforcement – Proper signage, accessible emergency exits, and clear pathways.
-
Fire Drills and Training – Regular training of shopkeepers and staff on how to respond to emergencies.
-
Insurance Mandates – Encouraging or requiring shop owners to have insurance to cover losses from fire and other disasters.
Current Status: Fire Under Control, Cooling Process Continues
As of the latest updates, the fire has largely been brought under control, thanks to the tireless efforts of the Rescue 1122 teams. However, the cooling process is ongoing, and the structure will need to be carefully examined before it is deemed safe to enter again.
Rescue teams are inspecting the building floor by floor to ensure there are no remaining hot spots or risks of reignition. Engineers from the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) and WASA are also checking for structural damage caused by the combination of fire and water.
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Voices of Hope and Resilience
While the fire has undoubtedly caused deep distress, there were also stories of resilience and unity today. Several nearby shop owners and traders brought water bottles and food for firefighters and rescue workers. Others offered emotional support to their fellow business owners.
An IT professional named Daniyal, who works in a software house on the fifth floor, said:
“The building might be damaged, but our community is strong. We will rebuild, just like we did last time.”
Conclusion: A Tragedy That Demands Change
The Hafeez Center fire is not just another unfortunate incident—it is a repeated failure of systems meant to protect lives and livelihoods. With commercial hubs like this being essential to Lahore’s economy, it is time that words turn into action.
The city needs better preparedness, stronger regulations, and greater accountability. Only then can we prevent such disasters from happening again.
As Lahore recovers from yet another fire in one of its most important business centers, the hope remains that lessons will finally be learned—and lives and businesses will be better protected in the future.
Massive Fire Erupts Again at Lahore’s Hafeez Center Amid Monsoon Rains, Causing Panic and Major Losses
In a tragic and alarming turn of events, Lahore’s iconic electronics market, Hafeez Center, once again caught fire today, sending thick plumes of black smoke into the rainy skies above Gulberg. The fire broke out in the early hours of the morning, just as the city was grappling with intense monsoon downpours. The timing made an already dangerous situation even more difficult to manage for rescue teams, fire brigades, and concerned citizens alike.
The flames spread rapidly through the multi-storey commercial complex, engulfing multiple floors and causing chaos among shopkeepers and customers who were in or around the building. Videos circulated on social media showed the scale of the destruction, with orange flames raging behind clouds of dark smoke and firefighters battling the blaze in heavy rain.
Monsoon Rains Complicate Rescue Efforts
The city was already under a monsoon alert, and ongoing heavy rainfall had left many roads waterlogged. The area surrounding Hafeez Center, particularly along Main Boulevard and Ferozepur Road, was submerged in water, making it almost impossible for fire trucks and ambulances to navigate freely.
Rescue 1122 teams, however, acted quickly. Despite delays caused by flooded roads and traffic congestion, they arrived on the scene and began operations to contain the fire. Police officials also cordoned off the area to prevent onlookers from gathering too close to the burning building. Emergency teams used ladders and cranes to reach higher floors while continuously dousing water into the building.
According to one Rescue 1122 officer on the ground, the rainfall not only slowed access but also made footing slippery, posing further danger to rescue workers and increasing the risk of electrical hazards within the building.
Shopkeepers Devastated as Businesses Go Up in Flames
Hafeez Center is more than just a commercial center—it is the beating heart of Lahore’s electronics trade, housing hundreds of shops dealing in laptops, smartphones, accessories, and IT repair services. Today’s fire left many shopkeepers devastated as they watched their livelihoods go up in smoke.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of emotional chaos, as business owners ran toward the building in panic, trying to call employees and check on their shops. Many were seen crying or in a state of shock, helplessly watching from behind the security lines.
Muhammad Imran, a laptop dealer whose shop was on the third floor, told reporters:
“Everything I had was in that shop—millions of rupees worth of inventory. This is not just business; this is how I feed my family. I don’t know how I will recover from this.”
Many shopkeepers had no insurance coverage, a common problem in local markets, making recovery from such disasters extremely difficult without government support.
Cause of Fire Still Unknown
The exact cause of the fire is not yet known, and authorities have not ruled out any possibilities. However, this is not the first time Hafeez Center has witnessed such an incident. In October 2020, a massive blaze had similarly destroyed a large portion of the building, causing damage worth hundreds of millions of rupees. That incident had raised serious concerns about the building’s infrastructure, fire safety protocols, and emergency exit planning.
In today’s case, preliminary reports suggest the fire may have started due to an electrical short circuit or generator malfunction, but no official confirmation has been given so far. Eyewitnesses claim they first saw smoke rising from the backside of the building, possibly from the basement or one of the upper floors.
Repeated Incidents Raise Fire Safety Concerns
Repeated fire incidents in Hafeez Center have turned the spotlight on the lack of proper fire safety measures in Lahore’s commercial buildings. Despite multiple warnings and inspections in the past, it appears that the recommendations were either ignored or poorly implemented.
One senior fire official, speaking anonymously, expressed frustration:
“We have submitted fire safety reports before. Most buildings in Lahore, especially commercial plazas like Hafeez Center, lack proper firefighting systems, sprinklers, alarms, and safe exits. It’s a disaster waiting to happen.”
In the aftermath of the 2020 fire, authorities had vowed to ensure the implementation of strict safety codes. But with today’s incident, those promises appear to have been forgotten.
Authorities Launch Investigation
The Lahore district administration has announced an immediate investigation into the incident. Commissioner Lahore, Deputy Commissioner Rafia Haider, and senior police officials visited the site and met with rescue teams and shopkeepers.
According to a statement from the Lahore Commissioner’s office:
“A committee has been formed to determine the cause of the fire and identify any negligence. Action will be taken against those responsible.”
Meanwhile, Punjab’s Caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi tweeted his concern and directed all relevant departments to ensure quick relief and damage control.
Economic Losses Expected to Be Massive
Though an official estimate is yet to be released, economic experts believe the financial loss from this fire could run into the billions of rupees. Hafeez Center deals in high-end electronics and tech products, and even a few affected shops could mean millions lost in inventory alone.
With many shopkeepers operating on tight margins and often depending on informal credit, the loss of goods can lead to severe financial stress and even bankruptcy.
Public Reactions and Political Statements
News of the fire quickly spread across the country, and the public expressed anger and sympathy online. Many netizens criticized local authorities for failing to implement fire safety standards despite multiple prior incidents.
Opposition politicians also weighed in. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Mian Aslam Iqbal demanded a transparent inquiry and compensation for shopkeepers, while PML-N’s Khawaja Salman Rafique urged structural reforms in building regulations.
What Needs to Change: Fire Safety in Urban Markets
Experts believe today’s tragedy must serve as a wake-up call. Lahore, being one of the country’s most commercially active cities, cannot afford to have major trading centers like Hafeez Center operate without modern safety protocols.
Some essential measures that must be prioritized include:
-
Mandatory Fire Safety Audits – Regular inspections of all commercial buildings with strict penalties for non-compliance.
-
Sprinkler and Alarm Systems – Automatic systems that detect and suppress fires early.
-
Fire Exit Enforcement – Proper signage, accessible emergency exits, and clear pathways.
-
Fire Drills and Training – Regular training of shopkeepers and staff on how to respond to emergencies.
-
Insurance Mandates – Encouraging or requiring shop owners to have insurance to cover losses from fire and other disasters.
Current Status: Fire Under Control, Cooling Process Continues
As of the latest updates, the fire has largely been brought under control, thanks to the tireless efforts of the Rescue 1122 teams. However, the cooling process is ongoing, and the structure will need to be carefully examined before it is deemed safe to enter again.
Rescue teams are inspecting the building floor by floor to ensure there are no remaining hot spots or risks of reignition. Engineers from the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) and WASA are also checking for structural damage caused by the combination of fire and water.
Voices of Hope and Resilience
While the fire has undoubtedly caused deep distress, there were also stories of resilience and unity today. Several nearby shop owners and traders brought water bottles and food for firefighters and rescue workers. Others offered emotional support to their fellow business owners.
An IT professional named Daniyal, who works in a software house on the fifth floor, said:
“The building might be damaged, but our community is strong. We will rebuild, just like we did last time.”
Conclusion: A Tragedy That Demands Change
The Hafeez Center fire is not just another unfortunate incident—it is a repeated failure of systems meant to protect lives and livelihoods. With commercial hubs like this being essential to Lahore’s economy, it is time that words turn into action.
The city needs better preparedness, stronger regulations, and greater accountability. Only then can we prevent such disasters from happening again.
As Lahore recovers from yet another fire in one of its most important business centers, the hope remains that lessons will finally be learned—and lives and businesses will be better protected in the future.
