QUETTA: A major fire broke out at a private commercial complex in Quetta early Tuesday, destroying dozens of shops, offices, and warehouses and causing losses worth millions of rupees, officials said.
The blaze erupted at Aleem Plaza, located near Prince Road and Liaquat Bazaar, one of the city’s busiest commercial areas. Flames spread rapidly through the ground and first floors, sending thick black smoke across the neighborhood and triggering panic among residents.
No casualties were reported.
Rescue officials said a suspected electrical short circuit triggered the fire. It broke out between 4:30 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. and quickly engulfed the building.
Firefighters, the district administration, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), police, Frontier Corps, and private water tankers rushed to the scene and launched joint rescue operations.
Deputy Commissioner Quetta Mehrullah Badini, DIG Quetta, and PDMA Director General Muhammad Aurangzeb supervised the firefighting efforts on site.
Authorities said teams contained the fire after several hours of continuous operations. Badini told reporters that the absence of basic firefighting equipment inside the market worsened the damage. He said rescue teams entered the building and prevented any loss of life. Officials will assess the final financial losses after completing surveys.
PDMA chief Muhammad Aurangzeb said 10 fire engines, nearly 20 fire bowsers, and more than 70 personnel took part in the operation. He said gas cylinders stored inside the plaza increased the risk, but teams carried out the operation without endangering firefighters.
Aurangzeb stressed the need for fire safety equipment in shops storing batteries and other sensitive materials.
Traders raised concerns over rescue preparedness. Traders’ association president Rahim Agha said a lack of trained staff created difficulties during operations. He warned that exposed power lines and electricity meters installed outside buildings could trigger major accidents if left unchecked.
The plaza housed computer, mobile phone, footwear, and garment shops, along with offices and warehouses. Traders said valuable goods, including stocks imported for Eid sales, were completely destroyed.
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Authorities said the fire has been fully extinguished and further inspections will determine the building’s safety and total losses. The incident has once again highlighted serious gaps in fire safety measures at commercial centers across the city.
