According to rescue officials, the fire spread rapidly through the tightly packed cabins before firefighters managed to bring it under control.

Around five to six fire engines from Rescue 1122 and the city’s fire brigade took part in the operation.

Shopkeepers said they lost everything in the blaze, estimating their losses at between four and five crore rupees. “I was at home when I got a call that the shop was burning. When I reached here, there was nothing left,” said one distraught vendor.

Officials from the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation confirmed that there were no casualties.

They added that a team will assess the cause of the fire and estimate the total damage.

Meanwhile, affected traders have appealed to the government for help, saying the fire has wiped out their livelihoods.