Peshawar: A major fire broke out in Peshawar’s Saddar Mobile Market early on Monday, destroying nearly 200 shops.

The fire started in the basement shops of the Time Center, started by a short circuit, and quickly spread across the square fueled by exploding cell phone batteries.

Firefighters said the fire, which broke out on the fourth floor, quickly spread to other floors, causing panic among traders and customers.

The epicenter of the extraordinary event became the Time Center, where there are 200 counters dedicated to mobile stores, batteries and repair services.
In response, over 30 fire engines and four water puppets are actively involved in the rescue operation. The fire, classified as stage three, is being tackled by teams from the Pakistan Army, Air Force and the Camp Fighting Council.

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Rescue Squad 1122 successfully evacuated four persons trapped in shops in Mobile Market in Peshawar during the fire. While the exact cause remains unknown, initial reports suggest a possible short circuit or gas leak.

The district administration has launched an investigation into the incident and promised help and assistance to the affected parties. Despite the appeals, rescuers, including the military, averted any loss of life. Adjacent houses were quickly evacuated, preventing further casualties.

Bilal Ahmad Faizi, a spokesman for the rescue effort, confirmed there were no reported casualties.

The presence of the army and security agencies at the scene underscores the coordinated efforts to contain the fire in the densely populated mobile market.

The situation is being closely monitored and updates will follow during the firefighting response.