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FAISALABAD, Feb 01 (APP): Divisional Commissioner Raja Jahangir Anwar has stressed protection of human lives and directed the owners of high-rise buildings to ensure immediate improvement of fire safety measures.
During visit to Mithaq-ul-Mall Imtiaz Mart on Sheikhupura Road, he personally inspected fire safety facilities by visiting the basements and examining the availability, expiry dates and operational condition of fire extinguishers and other relevant equipment.
He expressed concern over shortcomings and said that safety standards must be maintained strictly at all times.
Taking serious notice of the absence of proper emergency exits in the shopping mall, he directed the management to complete necessary arrangements within two days. Any further delay in complying with safety regulations would invite strict action from the authorities, he warned.
He also noted that no mock emergency drills had been conducted at the mall so far. After confirming the lapse through discussions with on-duty staff, he issued a strong warning to the management and instructed them to immediately organize mock exercises to train employees in handling fire and emergency situations.
He underlined that all firefighting equipment must be fully functional and water sprinkling systems should remain operational at all times. Negligence in maintaining safety mechanisms could lead to tragic consequences and would not be tolerated under any circumstances, he added.
Divisional Commissioner said that all high-rise buildings in Faisalabad must be brought under “A Category” safety standards, ensuring that firefighting tools, emergency exits, alarm systems and evacuation plans are fully compliant and 100 percent functional.
Divisional and district administrations along with rescue services are working actively on daily basis to enforce these measures, he added.
Reiterating the government’s commitment to public safety, he urged building owners and managements to fully cooperate with inspection teams and strictly follow prescribed safety protocols.
Only through consistent monitoring and collective responsibility can ensure a secure environment for the citizens in commercial and residential complexes, he added.