Fire engulfs petrol shops in Lahori Gate area in Peshawar

A major fire broke out at shops selling petrol in the Lahori Gate area of Peshawar, causing extensive damage and heavy financial losses, according to local residents and witnesses. The blaze reportedly spread rapidly through several petrol-selling outlets, sending thick columns of smoke into the air and raising concerns about the risk of further explosions in the densely populated area. Witnesses said the incident caused losses estimated at millions of rupees, although the exact scale of the damage has yet to be independently confirmed. The fire has also prompted criticism of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) authorities, with residents questioning whether adequate safety and emergency arrangements were in place in the area. Local people said the presence of shops storing and selling highly flammable fuel in a busy neighbourhood posed a significant safety risk. Emergency services were reportedly called to the scene to control the blaze. The cause of the fire and whether safety regulations were being followed at the affected premises have not yet been established. Authorities have not, so far, publicly announced the findings of any investigation into the incident. Officials are expected to assess the extent of the damage and determine whether safety rules were breached. A major fire at petrol-selling shops in Peshawar's Lahori Gate area has raised serious questions about safety enforcement and the performance of the KP government led by Sohail Afridi. The major incident has raised concerns that how such shops were allegedly allowed to operate in a densely populated area and whether the relevant authorities had taken adequate action to enforce safety regulations. The incident has also intensified criticism of the provincial government, with questions being raised over its priorities and attention to day-to-day governance. Critics argue that while Sohail Afridi has been publicly focused on political mobilisation and preparations for a long march, incidents such as the Lahori Gate fire highlight concerns about whether sufficient attention is being given to public safety, regulation and administration in the province. The government has yet to publicly clarify what action had been taken against the affected petrol outlets before the fire and what measures will now be introduced to prevent similar incidents.