Fire at Lahore’s Hafeez Centre Sparks Urgent Fire Safety Concerns

A major fire broke out on July 10, 2025, at Hafeez Centre, one of Lahore’s most prominent electronics and IT markets located in the bustling Gulberg district. The incident, which authorities believe was triggered by an electrical fault during heavy rainfall, has reignited public anxiety over persistent fire safety lapses in commercial buildings across the city.

Blaze Erupts Amid Heavy Rainfall

According to emergency officials, the fire started in the basement of the multi-storey Hafeez Centre, quickly filling the building with thick, acrid smoke. The centre, home to hundreds of electronics shops and offices, was packed with shopkeepers, staff, and customers when the alarm was raised. Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos as people scrambled to evacuate, with many forced to navigate smoke-filled corridors and stairwells.

A rapid response followed, with 25 fire tenders and two snorkels deployed to the scene. Rescue 1122 teams worked for hours to bring the situation under control, evacuating occupants and battling the flames that threatened to engulf valuable electronics stock. Despite the scale of the incident, authorities confirmed that no casualties were reported, a relief for families and business owners alike.

Historical Context: A Repeated Tragedy

The Hafeez Centre fire is not an isolated incident. In 2020, a devastating blaze at the same location caused massive financial losses and forced the closure of the building for months. Despite recommendations for comprehensive fire safety upgrades and stricter enforcement of building codes, sources allege that the centre was allowed to reopen without full compliance, under pressure from commercial and political interests.

A safety official, speaking on condition of anonymity, emphasized the pattern of neglect: “This is not just an isolated incident — it’s a repeated failure to enforce basic safety standards.” The official cited exposed wiring, lack of periodic safety inspections, and the absence of functional fire alarms and sprinkler systems as chronic issues at the centre.

Economic Impact: Traders Face Heavy Losses

The fire has dealt a severe blow to the local economy. Hafeez Centre is a commercial hub for Lahore’s thriving electronics trade, with hundreds of small businesses relying on daily sales of laptops, mobile phones, and IT equipment. Shop owners watched helplessly as flames and smoke destroyed valuable inventory, some losing their entire stock in a matter of hours.

For many traders, the financial impact is devastating. Insurance coverage is limited, and previous incidents have shown that compensation or support from authorities is often slow or insufficient. The ripple effect is likely to be felt across the city’s electronics supply chain, with potential shortages and price hikes in the aftermath of the disaster.

Building Safety Under Scrutiny

The incident has prompted renewed calls for a comprehensive safety audit of Hafeez Centre and similar commercial buildings. The Chief Minister praised the efforts of rescue teams but ordered an immediate review of fire safety compliance, including inspections of electrical systems, emergency exits, and fire suppression equipment.

Public reaction has been swift and critical. Social media platforms were flooded with images and videos of the burning building, and the hashtag #HafeezCenterFire trended throughout the day. Many users expressed frustration at what they described as official complacency and the lack of accountability for repeated safety violations.

Fire Safety in Lahore: A Broader Challenge

Lahore, Pakistan’s second-largest city, has witnessed a series of high-profile fires in recent years, particularly in commercial plazas and markets. Experts attribute these incidents to a combination of aging infrastructure, overcrowded buildings, and lax enforcement of safety regulations. In many cases, buildings lack basic fire alarms, extinguishers, and clear evacuation routes, putting thousands at risk.

The Hafeez Centre fire has drawn comparisons to tragic incidents in other major Pakistani cities, such as the 2021 fire at Karachi’s Cooperative Market, which claimed multiple lives and exposed similar regulatory failures. In both cases, authorities faced criticism for failing to enforce building codes and for delayed emergency responses.

Regional Comparisons: Fire Safety in South Asian Markets

The challenges faced by Lahore are not unique. Across South Asia, rapidly growing urban centres struggle with fire safety in commercial districts. In India, for example, fires in crowded markets like Delhi’s Chandni Chowk and Mumbai’s Crawford Market have led to widespread calls for stricter enforcement of safety codes and modernization of electrical systems.

Bangladesh’s capital, Dhaka, has also suffered devastating market fires, often attributed to poor wiring and illegal building modifications. In each case, the economic fallout is severe, with small traders bearing the brunt of the losses.

Calls for Reform and Accountability

In the wake of the Hafeez Centre fire, civic groups and business associations are demanding urgent reforms. Key recommendations include:

• Mandatory, periodic fire safety inspections for all commercial buildings
• Upgrading electrical wiring and infrastructure to modern standards
• Installation of functional fire alarms, extinguishers, and sprinkler systems
• Clear evacuation plans and regular safety drills for staff and tenants
• Strict penalties for non-compliance, including closure of unsafe premises

City officials have pledged to take action, but skepticism remains high among business owners and the general public, who have seen similar promises made — and broken — after previous disasters.

Public Reaction and the Way Forward

The Hafeez Centre fire has left a visible scar on Lahore’s commercial landscape, but it has also galvanized public debate about urban safety and governance. As traders begin the difficult process of rebuilding, questions linger about whether this latest tragedy will finally spur meaningful change.

For now, the incident stands as a stark reminder of the urgent need for improved fire safety standards in Pakistan’s rapidly urbanizing cities. Without decisive action, experts warn, the risk of further disasters remains dangerously high.