Fire safety breach: MCI shuts weekly bazaars in H-9, G-6 and G-10

According to an official notification issued by the Directorate of Municipal Administration’s Weekly Bazaar Section and obtained by Minute Mirror

ISLAMABAD: The Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad (MCI) has ordered the closure of weekly bazaars in H-9, G-6 and G-10 after stallholders failed to comply with prescribed fire safety requirements.

According to an official notification issued by the Directorate of Municipal Administration’s Weekly Bazaar Section and obtained by Minute Mirror, the three bazaars will remain closed on September 1, 2, 4 and 6, 2026.

The notification, dated August 31, said the action was taken because stallholders had not complied with fire safety instructions issued by the competent authorities. The MCI warned that any attempt to operate in violation of the closure order could result in action under the relevant rules and regulations.

However, the corporation has granted limited relief to fruit and vegetable vendors at the H-9 weekly bazaar. These stallholders have been permitted to operate from their allotted stalls on September 1 only, subject to strict compliance with all fire safety requirements.

The directive, issued with the approval of the competent authority and signed by the Deputy Director (MA)-II of the DMA, has been circulated among senior MCI officials and the managers of the H-9, G-6 and G-10 bazaars.

The closure comes as authorities intensify efforts to enforce safety standards at crowded commercial sites across Islamabad, where inadequate fire-safety arrangements can pose serious risks to vendors and visitors.

A copy of the official notification has been obtained by Minute Mirror.