A harrowing fire erupted on Thursday afternoon in the basement of the iconic Hafeez Centre in Gulberg, one of Lahore’s busiest electronics markets. Shopkeepers and visitors recalled seeing thick black smoke swirl through the lower floors, triggering panic and prompting emergency evacuations.
Blaze Breaks Out Amid Electrical Fault
At approximately 1:00 PM, Rescue 1122 received distress calls after a spark from an electrical duct triggered a blaze in the basement. The fire quickly spread smoke and flames upward through aging and exposed wiring conduits. Authorities report no fatalities or serious injuries, but the damage to electronics stock and infrastructure was substantial.
Firefighters—supported by over 100 rescue personnel and around 20 emergency vehicles, including fire trucks, aerial platforms, and rescue bikes—swiftly contained the blaze within about 20 minutes. Thick smoke, however, still reached the upper levels, necessitating ongoing ventilation and cooling measures.
A Welcome Miracle, a Familiar Threat
Many people collectively sighed in relief as evacuation efforts finished without any loss of life. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz praised the quick response and ordered immediate safety inspections for the Hafeez Centre. Rescue officials confirmed that the swift action prevented what could have been a disaster.
This isn’t Hafeez Centre’s first fire. A large blaze in 2020 destroyed numerous shops, caused billions of dollars in damage, and exposed safety issues. Despite earlier advice to rewire and add alarms, sprinklers, and clear exits, authorities allowed the shops to reopen—seemingly without full compliance.
Why This Keeps Happening
Fire safety experts warn of a series of familiar and dangerous issues:
- Exposed, ageing electrical wiring and domestically patched circuits.
- Non-functional or absent fire alarms and sprinklers which are often neglected during inspections.
- No emergency plans, such as marked exits, fire drills, or trained shop staff.
- Regulatory negligence, with inspections ironically being bypassed for commercial convenience.
How to Prevent the Next Blaze
Despite the ongoing audits, clear, practical measures are urgently needed to safeguard public safety and business integrity:
1. Upgrade Electrical Infrastructure
- Conduct a complete rewiring of the basement and floors, replacing outdated cables with certified fire-resistant wiring and protective conduits.
- Schedule periodic electrical inspections, ideally every 6 months, by licensed engineers.
2. Install Modern Fire Detection Systems
- Mandate the installation of automatic smoke and heat detectors linked to city fire stations for swift alerts.
- Install sprinkler systems and ensure fire extinguishers are readily available, regularly charged, and staff are trained in their use.
3. Enhance Emergency Preparedness
- Clearly outline and mark multiple emergency exits, and post evacuation maps in public areas.
- Conduct quarterly fire drills that involve shopkeepers, staff, and security personnel.
4. Strengthen Regulatory Enforcement
- Require certified fire safety clearance before granting commercial operation licenses.
- Impose strict and frequent inspections, with real penalties for violations—including fines, partial closures, or license revocation.
- Include shopkeeper associations in safety discussions to promote accountability and transparency.
A Community-Wide Responsibility
This recent incident serves as a clear reminder: fire safety is everyone’s responsibility. Shop owners must prioritize safe infrastructure, while building administrators should invest in detection systems and conduct drills. Importantly, enforcers must remain impartial — commercial interests should never undermine public safety.
As Lahore’s bustling electronics hub, Hafeez Centre must seize this chance to rebuild stronger and safer. Implementing such measures can prevent future fires, save livelihoods, protect lives, and allow trade to continue with peace of mind.
In the quiet after the smoke clears, what matters is not just the bravery of those who stepped in today, but the commitment to ensure there is no next time.
