LAHORE: Fire erupted in the basement of Hafeez Center, one of Lahore’s most bustling commercial complexes located in the Gulberg district. Officials from Rescue 1122 reported that the blaze originated in the lower levels and rapidly filled the building with smoke, affecting the numerous electronics shops and offices housed inside.
Emergency response teams arrived swiftly to contain the flames and evacuate occupants, preventing any reported injuries or casualties so far. However, the incident has once again highlighted ongoing concerns regarding fire safety protocols in Lahore’s commercial properties.
Early investigations suggest that an electrical fault—potentially due to exposed wiring and a lack of routine safety inspections—may have triggered the fire. Witnesses recounted scenes of chaos as shopkeepers and staff hurried to evacuate while thick black smoke enveloped large sections of the building.
Hafeez Center has experienced similar incidents in the past. A significant fire in 2020 caused extensive damage and financial loss, yet the building was reopened amid allegations of political and commercial pressure, without implementing crucial fire safety measures or structural improvements.
Sources indicate that the plaza has continued operating without proper fire safety clearances or necessary rewiring, raising serious questions about regulatory enforcement. An anonymous safety official remarked, “This isn’t an isolated event—it reflects a persistent failure to uphold basic safety standards.”
In a related development, recent directives from Punjab’s Governor to allow a previously fire-damaged building in Lahore to resume operations on an emergency basis have come under scrutiny. Many experts warn that such decisions, made without thorough inspections or safety checks, increase the risk of future tragedies.
Authorities and safety advocates emphasize that continued operation of commercial centers without comprehensive electrical rewiring, fire clearance, and structural assessments poses a severe threat to lives and property
