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LAHORE, Jan 27 (APP):Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has approved a series of comprehensive measures to prevent fire incidents across the province, directing strict enforcement of safety regulations in commercial and multi-storey buildings.
The decisions were made during a special meeting chaired by the chief minister, here on Tuesday, with commissioners and deputy commissioners participating via video link.
The meeting approved the installation of 1,157 water hydrants across nine divisions and the establishment of a new Fire Inspectorate Unit within Rescue 1122 to strengthen emergency preparedness and oversight.
The chief minister also approved the deployment of modern high-expansion foam generators for fire control and ordered the installation of smoke detectors and CCTV cameras in large buildings. First-aid facilities and oxygen cylinders were declared mandatory in major commercial structures.
Specialised training programmes were approved for markets dealing in chemicals, cardboard, fabric, and gas cylinders to improve readiness for fire emergencies. The chief minister also mandated that every multi-storey building be equipped with water hydrants, and that externally ventilated staircases be installed to ensure safe emergency evacuation.
Expressing grief over the Gul Plaza tragedy in Karachi, Maryam Nawaz Sharif said Punjab stands in solidarity with the Sindh government, the people of Karachi, and the bereaved families, offering all possible assistance.
Referring to a recent fire in Lahore, she noted that around 300 people were present in a 25-storey hotel, praising timely SOPs and Rescue 1122’s response for averting a major tragedy. She commended Director General Rescue Dr Rizwan, who reached the site within five minutes, and said such rapid response must be replicated across the province. The meeting was informed that nearby operational fire hydrants and advanced high-expansion foam technology prevented significant damage.
The chief minister expressed concern over the misuse of emergency exits in commercial buildings and directed strict action against violations. She instructed development authorities to ensure that fire safety regulations are enforced during building construction, and that firefighting equipment and alarms remain functional at all times. She warned against dangling and unsafe electrical wiring, which pose serious fire hazards, especially during rains.
CM Maryam Nawaz ordered a province-wide inspection of gas cylinders and the sealing of companies producing or selling substandard cylinders. She made automatic sprinkler systems mandatory in all buildings. She further directed the removal of encroachments blocking entry and exit points in congested markets, including Lahore’s Shah Alam Market, and mandated monthly mock fire drills in all districts. Compliance with fire drills has been included in the key performance indicators of commissioners and deputy commissioners.
The chief minister emphasized that fire safety measures must be practical and effective, not cosmetic. “Rescue 1122 is a critical institution. We will provide the required equipment, capacity-building, and training resources,” she said.
She also instructed that boilers and flammable materials should never be stored in basements of multi-storey buildings, stressing that loss of life due to negligence is unacceptable. “No worker being burned or killed can be tolerated,” she added.
The chief minister directed that all commercial buildings must install fire hydrants within one month, warning that strict action will follow non-compliance.