The Assistant Commissioner of Saddar, accompanied by police officials, carried out an operation at Hashoo Centre and sealed around 200 shops after identifying serious safety violations in the building.
Assistant Commissioner Saddar Rana Safiyan ordered the sealing of all shops on the first floor, including a well-known biryani outlet, citing the absence of proper fire safety arrangements. Authorities said the eatery was operating with three heavy-duty gas cylinders, creating a major safety hazard.
While speaking to the media, the AC said his office had issued a notice to the building management a week earlier, directing them to address the safety concerns. However, officials found no compliance during the latest inspection.
He said authorities also found blocked walkways and ongoing illegal compressor work inside the building. Officials further noted the presence of hazardous materials, including gas cylinders and chemical thinners, without any safety precautions in place.
The AC said the administration sealed the premises after the management failed to act despite being given seven days to implement safety measures.
