Three suspects arrested for igniting Margalla Hills fires as dousing efforts underway

ISLAMABAD: Islamabad District Administration has arrested three suspects involved in the igniting wildfire in the Margalla Hills on Friday and 15 cases have been filed over recent incidents of fire in the federal capital’s lush green hills.

Confirming the development on social media platform X, Chief Commissioner Islamabad Muhammad Ali Randhawa said that three individuals have been arrested and 15 FIRs have been lodged regarding the recent fires at Margalla Hills.

“We will ensure all those responsible are held accountable. We are committed to protect our beautiful hills at any cost,” he added.

Islamabad’s Deputy Commissioner Irfan Nawaz Memon also confirmed the arrest of the three suspects on Friday afternoon as the firefighters continued to douse the flames.

“Three people have been arrested on suspicion of starting fires in the hills,” he continued. “Firefighters and helicopters are participating in the firefighting efforts. Precautionary measures have been taken to keep the fire contained away from residential areas.”

“More arrests are expected in the coming days concerning the fires on the hills,” he added. “Citizens are requested to help identify those involved.”

Earlier today, the CDA had said more than 80 firefighters were engaged in efforts to control a fire at the renowned hills. “They have encircled the fire from sides, controlled it from sides, and now the efforts are concentrated on the center point.”

The Margalla Hills National Park has experienced bushfires relatively often in recent days attributed to the extreme heat wave after temperatures soared to 41 degrees Celsius in the federal capital.