Kabul

A major fire tore through Mandawi, one of Kabul’s oldest and busiest markets, early on Sunday, destroying dozens of shops and causing losses estimated at around USD 700,000, according to officials cited by Khaama Press.

The blaze broke out before dawn in a section of the market dealing mainly in footwear and rapidly spread through the tightly packed commercial area, once again drawing attention to safety lapses in Kabul’s crowded marketplaces. Although no injuries or fatalities were reported, the incident has left many traders facing severe financial setbacks.

Local merchants said most businesses operating in Mandawi do not have insurance coverage, leaving shop owners with little recourse after such incidents. Traders have urged the authorities to step in with emergency relief, while Afghanistan’s Interior Ministry said an investigation into the cause of the fire is underway.

According to Khaama Press, the fire has renewed concerns about fire safety standards in the Afghan capital, where similar incidents in the past have often been linked to outdated electrical systems. Narrow lanes, the absence of proper fire exits and limited access to modern firefighting equipment continue to pose serious risks in many markets.

Mandawi market is a key wholesale hub for imported goods such as shoes, garments and household items, and remains one of Kabul’s most crowded trading centres. The Interior Ministry said preliminary findings indicate that the fire was triggered by an electrical short circuit, a common problem in areas with aging wiring and weak regulatory oversight.

Firefighters, assisted by multiple water tankers, battled the flames for several hours before bringing the situation under control and preventing the fire from spreading to nearby sections of the market.

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The incident comes at a time when Afghanistan is grappling with a worsening humanitarian crisis. United Nations estimates suggest that nearly 90 per cent of the population is living below the poverty line, while unemployment has climbed to around 75 per cent. The situation has been further strained by the return of nearly three million people from Iran and Pakistan, placing additional pressure on already limited resources and aid efforts.