Authorities sealed around 200 shops on the first floor of Hashoo Centre in Saddar on Tuesday after finding serious safety violations during a raid.

Assistant Commissioner Saddar Rana Safiyan led the operation, ordering the closure after shopkeepers failed to comply with safety directives issued seven days earlier.

Police made public announcements during the operation, instructing all occupants to vacate the premises before the shops were sealed.

According to the assistant commissioner, the market lacked basic safety arrangements. Gas cylinders, thinner and other hazardous materials were found on the floor, posing a serious risk.

Despite prior notices, the situation remained unchanged, prompting the enforcement action, he said.