Firefighters on Monday brought under control a blaze that broke out at a mobile phone market in Karachi’s busy Saddar area, damaging several vehicles but causing no loss of life, officials said.

The fire erupted suddenly in the seventh-floor parking area of the Al-Najeebi Mobile Market near Gul Plaza, a central commercial hub of the city.

Rescue officials said the blaze started in a parked car, affecting a total of five vehicles.

Preliminary reports suggest a short circuit as the likely cause.

Due to the intensity of the blaze, additional fire brigade units were called in, while shopkeepers in the market began shutting their outlets as a precaution.

Three fire tenders reached the scene and managed to extinguish the fire after sustained efforts. Several vehicles parked in the building were damaged, but no fatalities were reported.

Rescue officials said that reports were initially received of people being trapped on the seventh floor.

During the operation, two individuals were rescued. Both suffered breathing difficulties due to smoke inhalation and were provided on-the-spot medical assistance by Rescue 1122 ambulances.

Chief Fire Officer Humayun Khan told the media that the fire had been fully controlled in time, limiting the damage to three vehicles. He said prompt reporting and immediate firefighting action helped prevent a major loss.

Deputy Mayor Karachi Salman Murad said timely action by the fire brigade and rescue agencies averted casualties.

He added that the cause of the fire was being investigated and losses suffered by affected shopkeepers would be assessed. The city administration, he said, was closely monitoring the situation.

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah took notice of the incident and sought a report from the Karachi commissioner.

He directed authorities to ensure immediate rescue and relief operations and ordered an inquiry to determine the cause of the fire and fix responsibility. He reiterated that the protection of citizens’ lives and property was the government’s top priority.

Inspector General of Police Sindh Javed Alam Odho also took notice of the incident and directed the SSP South and SP Traffic South to reach the site.

He instructed police to secure the affected building and surrounding areas and ensure clear access for fire brigade, ambulance, and rescue vehicles.

Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab ordered the fire brigade to immediately respond to the incident and directed the activation of emergency measures at hydrants.

He instructed municipal officers and rescue teams to remain on standby and said all available resources would be used to ensure public safety.

Meanwhile, Opposition Leader in the Sindh Assembly Ali Khurshidi expressed concern over the incident and urged rescue and firefighting agencies to act swiftly, stressing that the safety of citizens must remain the top priority.

Authorities said a detailed assessment of damages and the cause of the fire was underway.