Quetta: A massive fire broke out at the four-storey Achakzai Plaza in Liaquat Bazaar, Quetta, causing extensive damage to more than 200 shops and a basement, officials confirmed on Tuesday.
According to details, the fire spread rapidly across the commercial plaza, triggering panic among traders as thick smoke and intense flames made rescue and firefighting efforts difficult. Several fire brigade vehicles and district administration teams rushed to the scene and are actively engaged in controlling the blaze.
Authorities said that police and other law enforcement personnel have also been deployed to ensure public safety and facilitate emergency operations in the crowded market area.
Officials from the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) stated that fire balls and specialized equipment are being used to contain the high-intensity fire. However, dense smoke and the building’s structure have posed serious challenges for firefighters.
Rescue officials reported that the affected plaza housed shops dealing in computers, mobile phones, garments, and other commercial goods, raising fears of heavy financial losses for the trader community.
No casualties have been reported so far, but authorities said the operation may take time due to the severity of the fire. An investigation into the cause of the incident will be launched once the fire is fully extinguished.