Major Fire Ravages Historic Kabul Market, Causing Heavy Financial Losses and Highlighting Systemic Risks

A devastating fire swept through Kabul’s historic Mandawi market area in the early hours of Sunday, destroying dozens of shops and causing substantial financial losses, officials reported. The blaze underscores persistent safety deficiencies in the Afghan capital’s crowded commercial districts.

The fire erupted before dawn inside the Mir Alam shoe market, a section of Mandawi—one of Kabul’s oldest and busiest wholesale hubs for imported goods such as footwear, clothing, and household items. Images circulated on social media showed thick, dark smoke and towering flames engulfing tightly packed rows of shops.

Official Response and Damage Assessment
Authorities from the Taliban-led Interior Ministry stated the fire was triggered by an electrical short circuit, a frequent hazard in markets with aging infrastructure and limited safety oversight. Firefighters, dispatched with multiple water tankers, battled the flames for hours to prevent the fire from spreading to adjacent sections of the sprawling market.

Kabul police chief for the 1st municipal district, Shah Wali Sahib, told Pajhwok Afghan News the incident began around 5:30 a.m. He confirmed that emergency crews quickly cordoned off the area and contained the blaze. Farshid Ahmadzai, director of operations for Kabul’s Firefighting Department, noted the presence of plastic sandals and shoes in the market intensified the danger, but confirmed the fire was fully extinguished.

While no casualties were reported, the economic impact is severe. The Interior Ministry’s initial statement estimated losses at approximately $700,000, but noted that firefighters salvaged goods worth about 150 million Afghanis (roughly $1.9 million). However, local business representatives provided a more focused assessment. Rohullah Razaei, head of the Kabul Shoemakers Association, stated that 18 of the market’s roughly 300 shoe shops and warehouses were completely destroyed, with total damages estimated at around 40 million Afghanis (approximately $515,000). One shop owner, Hamidullah, reported personal losses of about 600,000 Afghanis.

Systemic Vulnerabilities and Broader Crisis
The incident has renewed scrutiny of chronic fire safety issues in Kabul, where past blazes in crowded markets have been attributed to faulty wiring, a lack of fire exits, and inadequate firefighting equipment. Most merchants in Mandawi operate without insurance, leaving them vulnerable to total financial ruin from such disasters.

In response, traders have appealed to authorities for emergency assistance. The Interior Ministry has pledged an investigation and, in a statement, emphasized public service. “All organs of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan are at the service of the people,” said Shah Wali Sahib.

This disaster occurs against a backdrop of a severe humanitarian and economic crisis in Afghanistan. The United Nations estimates that nearly 90% of the population lives below the poverty line, with unemployment soaring to around 75%. The situation is further strained by the recent influx of nearly three million returnees from Iran and Pakistan, compounding pressure on the country’s limited resources and aid infrastructure. The fire at Mandawi market thus not only represents a acute local tragedy but also a stark illustration of the compounded challenges facing Afghan society.

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