Islamabad (Yasir Naveed) – The performance of the Directorate of Municipal Administration (DMA) of the Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad (MCI) has once again come under scrutiny. According to sources, fire incidents occur in H-9 Bazaar almost every year, yet the absence of effective and permanent safety measures continues to create concern among traders and citizens.

Sources claim that while various plans and arrangements related to fire safety and associated matters have been documented over the years, their practical impact remains largely invisible. Despite annual budget allocations from the national exchequer, numerous questions are being raised regarding fire safety arrangements, emergency response mechanisms, and protective infrastructure within the market.

Traders maintain that certain matters related to H-9 Bazaar are entrusted to untrained contractors, resulting in compromised safety standards. They have demanded an impartial investigation into the recurring fire incidents to determine their causes and ensure action against those found responsible.

It is worth mentioning that attempts have been made on several occasions in the past to obtain the official stance of the relevant department on the issue. However, according to sources, no clear response has been provided by senior officials, and the matter has remained unresolved.

Citizens and members of the business community have called upon the federal government and relevant oversight authorities to conduct a comprehensive inquiry into the funds allocated for fire safety in H-9 Bazaar, the measures taken so far, and the repeated fire incidents occurring in the market, in order to prevent future loss of life and property.