Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has announced strict new Commercial Fire Safety Measures across the province, giving commercial buildings one month to install fire hydrants or face legal action. The directives were issued during a high-level meeting in Lahore, aimed at strengthening emergency preparedness and preventing deadly fire incidents.
The chief minister said the policy shift reflects the government’s zero-tolerance approach to negligence in public safety and building management.
Province-wide fire safety directives issued
Chairing a video-linked meeting with commissioners and deputy commissioners, CM Maryam Nawaz approved the installation of 1,157 water hydrants across Punjab’s nine divisions. She also sanctioned the creation of a dedicated Fire Inspectorate Unit within Rescue 1122 to improve enforcement and monitoring.
Officials were informed that all multi-storey and large commercial buildings must now be equipped with operational hydrants. Authorities were directed to ensure compliance not only during construction but throughout a building’s operational life.
Modern equipment and mandatory installations
Commercial Fire Safety Measures. The chief minister approved the use of modern high-expansion foam generators to control large fires more effectively. She also ordered compulsory installation of smoke detectors, CCTV cameras, automatic sprinkler systems, and externally ventilated staircases in major buildings.
First-aid facilities and oxygen cylinders were declared mandatory in large commercial structures to support emergency response before rescue teams arrive.
Training, inspections, and enforcement
Specialised fire safety training programmes will be launched for markets dealing in high-risk materials such as chemicals, cardboard, fabric, and gas cylinders. Monthly fire drills will now be mandatory in all districts, with compliance added to the performance indicators of commissioners and deputy commissioners.
CM Maryam Nawaz also ordered province-wide inspections of gas cylinders and directed authorities to seal companies producing or selling substandard cylinders. Regular checks of firefighting equipment expiry dates were made compulsory.
Lessons from recent fire incidents
Referring to a recent fire incident in Lahore, the chief minister noted that around 300 people were present inside a high-rise hotel at the time. She said a major tragedy was avoided due to timely response, operational hydrants, and modern foam technology.
She praised Rescue 1122 teams for their rapid action, highlighting that the director general reached the scene within minutes. She stressed that such response standards must be maintained across Punjab.
Action against violations and unsafe practices
The chief minister expressed concern over blocked emergency exits, unsafe electrical wiring, and storage of flammable materials in basements. She ordered strict action against violations and directed the removal of encroachments obstructing entry and exit points in congested markets, including Shah Alam Market.
She emphasised that fire safety measures must remain functional at all times and warned that cosmetic compliance would not be tolerated.
Solidarity and commitment to public safety
Expressing grief over the Gul Plaza fire tragedy in Karachi, CM Maryam Nawaz said Punjab stands in solidarity with the Sindh government and affected families. She reiterated the provincial government’s commitment to providing resources, training, and equipment to Rescue 1122.
“No loss of life due to negligence is acceptable,” she said, stressing that worker safety remains a top priority.
Health reforms and AI initiatives announced
In a separate meeting, the chief minister approved the establishment of stroke management centres in every district, along with the posting of neurologists and paediatric neurologists at district headquarters hospitals. A telemedicine project for stroke patients was also approved to allow real-time consultation with specialists.
She further led Punjab’s first artificial intelligence training session for provincial ministers and announced that the use of AI will be mandatory in schools. A Google Tech Valley Digital Transformation Advisory Board was also approved to guide future technology initiatives.
