Fire breaks out at Supreme Court as smoke spreads through offices

The fire started on the ground floor of the Supreme Court of Pakistan’s administrative block, according to rescue officials and sources. Fire brigade vehicles were dispatched after authorities received information about the incident.

Smoke spread through the block, raising concern among people inside the building. Although the fire was extinguished, smoke reportedly remained in the administrative area.

Fire reported at 6:35 pm

According to sources, the fire broke out at approximately 6:35 pm. The first fire brigade vehicle reportedly reached the Supreme Court premises about five minutes after the incident was reported.

Rescue personnel brought the fire under control after around 35 minutes. The response helped prevent the fire from spreading further through the administrative block.

The incident was confined to the ground floor area, based on the information available from rescue officials and sources. No details about injuries or the extent of property damage were provided in the initial reports.

Security clearance delayed firefighters’ entry

Sources said police initially stopped the fire brigade at the main gate because of the Supreme Court’s security standard operating procedures.

Firefighters were reportedly allowed to enter the premises after receiving clearance from the Supreme Court administration. The delay became a point of concern during the emergency response.

A fire brigade official was heard saying, “We are getting late because of them.”

The reported exchange highlighted the difficulties emergency teams can face when responding to incidents at highly secured government buildings. Such procedures are designed to protect sensitive premises, but they can also affect the speed of emergency access.

WAPDA team also reportedly stopped

Sources further said WAPDA personnel who arrived to investigate the possible cause of the fire were also stopped by police.

The team was reportedly present to examine the electrical system and help determine what may have triggered the incident. Their access was said to have been delayed during the initial response.

The reported obstruction raises questions about how emergency services and technical teams coordinate at secured public buildings. However, the available information does not establish the full circumstances behind the delays.

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Short circuit suspected as cause

According to sources, the fire was reportedly caused by a short circuit. However, the suspected cause had not been independently confirmed through a formal investigation in the initial reports.

Electrical faults can cause fires in offices, particularly where wiring, equipment or power systems develop problems. A proper technical assessment is generally needed to confirm the exact source.

Smoke continued to remain inside the administrative block even after the flames had been extinguished. Authorities would need to assess the affected area before normal activities could fully resume.