ISLAMABAD: The tragedy in G-7/2 that left eight people dead and around a dozen injured occurred due to a gas leak rather than a cylinder blast, says residents of the area. The affected families, however, are looking to the federal government and the Capital Development Authority (CDA) for alternative accommodation.

Initially, there were reports that the incident took place because of cylinder blast, however, visit to the site and talking to locals, it seems the tragedy happened because of gas leakage. Residents in the blast site vicinity say so far they could not find any piece of purported blasted cylinder.

The powerful explosion destroyed the roofs and walls of eight small houses in the 66-Quarters neighbourhood—an approved slum of the CDA for its sanitation workers—resulting in the collapse of structures onto people while they were asleep.

In this tragedy, eight people including a bride and the groomwere killed.

It is yet to be determined whether explosion occurred either at the wedding venue in one of the said houses, where guests were also present or in nearby houses.

Victims seek alternative accommodation

The locals of the area appreciated CDA Chairman Mohammad Ali Randhawa for visiting the blst site and assured his full support in providing alternative shelters and assistance. They said that clearance operation of the damaged houses should be completed on priority basis and livable alternative houses should be allotted.

“Only we pulled out household items from one house, where wedding ceremony was in progress. Household items and belongings of victim families of all damaged houses are still lying under debris,” said Babar Saleem, a relative of one of the deceased.

“We will request CDA to complete clearance operation without any delay. Our people are suffering as their luggage is still inside,” he said.

He expressed apprehension over halting the clearance operation. He added that even clothes and other necessary items of these families are still under the rubble, putting them vulnerable to theft.

Brother of deceased groom said that affected families are living in houses of relatives. “All affected families should be provided alternative accommodations…we are still waiting for alternative place.”

Atif Gill, a relative of one of the victim famililies said that affected families have been worried about their futures. “We are already in grief because of tragic deaths and injuries. All affected families should be provided alternate shelters as soon as possible,” he said.

President of Pakistan People’s Party’s (PPP) Human Rights Cell former Senator Farhatullah Babar along with Information Secretary Tariq Ghauri visited the area to express solidarity with victim families.

Senator Babar urged the government to provide support to victim families and they should be provided best alternative houses immediately.

Meanwhile, Federal Minster for Parliamentary Affairs Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said that all affected families would be provided alternative best accommodations. During his visit to the area he expressed solidarity with the victim families.

“This is one of the oldest areas and every possible assistance will be provided to these affected people. Not only alternative accommodation, government will also provide cash compensation, we will not leave these families alone… we are too much upset over this tragedy and I am short of words to explain my feelings. This is a tragic incident,” he said.

In response to the recent G-7 gas explosion, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) confirms that eight houses were affected, some were completely damaged while others were partially.

These houses have also been sealed for public safety. A technical team is assessing the habitability of partially damaged houses.

CDA has committed to their full repair or reconstruction of their damaged house. We have offered shelter to the affected families. Only three families have shown willingness while others have been living with their relatives. We have identified and handed over three houses as per instructions of CDA chairman and chief commissioner. Besides, we have also initiated the proper repair & maintenance of these houses.

After the proper maintenance, these houses will soon be in a liveable condition along with all basic amenities. The CDA and ICT Administration are in direct contact with all affected families and committed to support them through their difficult period.

Published in Dawn, January 14th, 2026