LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Tuesday set a 30-day deadline for all commercial and high-rise buildings across the province to install fire hydrants, warning that strict action would be taken against violators.
The directive was issued during a special meeting chaired by the chief minister, which was attended by commissioners and deputy commissioners via video link. During the meeting, CM Maryam approved a comprehensive set of measures aimed at strengthening fire prevention and emergency response mechanisms across Punjab.
As part of the plan, the chief minister approved the installation of 1,157 water hydrants across nine divisions and the establishment of a dedicated Fire Inspectorate Unit within Rescue 1122. She also authorised the use of modern high-expansion foam generators to tackle major fire incidents.
Installation of smoke detectors and CCTV cameras in large buildings was made mandatory, while first-aid facilities and oxygen cylinders were declared compulsory for major commercial structures.
The chief minister further approved specialised training programmes for markets dealing in chemicals, cardboard, fabric and gas cylinders to enhance preparedness and reduce fire risks.
She directed that all multi-storey buildings must be equipped with internal fire hydrants and externally ventilated staircases to ensure safe evacuation during emergencies. Automatic sprinkler systems were also made mandatory in all buildings.
Expressing grief over the Gul Plaza tragedy in Karachi, CM Maryam said Punjab stood in solidarity with the Sindh government, the people of Karachi and the affected families.
“Punjab stands with the bereaved families and is ready to extend all possible assistance,” she said.
Referring to a recent fire incident in Lahore, the chief minister noted that nearly 300 people were present inside a 25-storey hotel at the time of the blaze.
“We are grateful that a major tragedy was averted due to timely SOPs and a swift response,” she added.
CM Maryam instructed development authorities to strictly enforce fire safety regulations at the construction stage and stressed that safety equipment must not only be installed but remain fully functional.
She ordered regular inspections to ensure firefighting equipment and fire alarms were within their expiry dates and warned that unsafe and dangling electrical wiring posed serious fire and rain-related hazards.
The chief minister also directed a province-wide inspection of gas cylinders and ordered the sealing of companies involved in manufacturing or selling substandard cylinders. She further instructed the removal of encroachments blocking entry and exit points in congested markets, including Lahore’s Shah Alam Market.
Monthly mock fire drills were made mandatory in all districts, while the storage of boilers and flammable materials in basements of multi-storey buildings was strictly prohibited.
“Fire safety measures should not be cosmetic,” CM Maryam said. “Rescue 1122 is a critical institution, and we will provide it with the necessary equipment, training and capacity-building support.”
She stressed that negligence leading to loss of life was unacceptable. “No worker being burned or killed due to negligence can be tolerated,” the chief minister added.
