The extinguishing efforts lasted more than two hours. However, cooling work continued till mid-night. CAA spokesman George Pervez told Business Recorder that the fire erupted at around 6:40 pm and 3 fire tenders of CAA were immediately rushed to the spot. The CAA also sought help of City District Government Karachi (CDGK), which dispatched five fire tenders.
The spokesman added that the blaze was controlled at 8:30 pm. He said that according to initial investigation, the cause of fire was short circuit. However, estimation of losses could not be made immediately.
CDGK's chief fire officer Kazim Ali said that the department was called in at 7:00 pm by the CAA. He said that as snorkel machine has gone out of work, they faced difficulties in controlling the blaze and sky-ladder of PIA was used instead.
Kazim's deputy when contacted said that fire started at the second floor of the ground-plus-two building. "There are about 100 offices on the floor but only 15 were affected by the fire. No one was injured."
Meanwhile, PIA chairman Tariq Kirmani has appointed inquiry committee headed by Chief Pilot Safety Captain Dara and General Manager Security Colonel Moin Rauf to ascertain the cause of fire.