A fire broke out at the official residence of Pakistan’s High Commissioner in the diplomatic area of Baridhara, Dhaka, early Thursday. Pakistan High Commissioner Imran Haider and his wife, Naima Imran, experienced breathing difficulties after smoke spread inside the residence. They were taken to a hospital in Gulshan at about 9 a.m. and were receiving treatment under close observation.

According to Fire Service information, the blaze began at approximately 4:55 a.m. Two units started firefighting operations at 5 a.m. and brought the fire under control by 5:10 a.m. Preliminary information indicated that an electrical short circuit in a television at the residence may have triggered the fire.

Hospital sources said the couple’s condition was not serious. Security and emergency service agencies treated the incident seriously because it occurred at an important facility in the diplomatic area. No confirmed information has emerged on whether sabotage or another cause was involved, and the report said no final conclusion should be reached before the investigation is completed.