Commercial, multi-storey buildings: CM orders strict enforcement of fire safety regulations

LAHORE: Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif approved a series of wide-ranging measures to prevent fire incidents across the province, directing strict enforcement of safety regulations in commercial and multi-storey buildings.

The decisions were taken during a special meeting chaired by the chief minister, who addressed commissioners and deputy commissioners via video link.

The meeting approved the installation of 1157 water hydrants across nine divisions and the establishment of a new Fire Inspectorate Unit within Rescue 1122.

The chief minister also approved the use of modern high-expansion foam generators to control fires 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 preparedness against fire emergencies.

The chief minister further ordered that every multi-storey building must be equipped with water hydrants, while externally ventilated staircases were made mandatory to ensure safe emergency evacuation.

Expressing grief over the Gul Plaza tragedy in Karachi, Maryam Nawaz Sharif said Punjab stood in solidarity with the Sindh government, the people of Karachi and the bereaved families, and is ready to extend all possible assistance.

Referring to a recent fire incident in Lahore, the chief minister said around 300 people were present in a 25-storey hotel building at the time. “We are thankful that a major tragedy was averted due to timely SOPs and response,” she said, adding that 300 people meant 300 families.

She praised Rescue 1122 teams, noting that Director General Rescue Dr Rizwan reached the site within five minutes.

“The response time was commendable and should be replicated across Punjab,” she said.

The meeting was informed that damage at the hotel was prevented due to an operational nearby fire hydrant and the use of advanced high-expansion foam technology.

The chief minister expressed concern over the misuse of emergency exits in commercial buildings and directed strict action against violations.

She also instructed development authorities to ensure the enforcement of safety regulations during building construction and ordered that fire safety equipment must not only be installed but also remain functional. She directed regular checks of expiry dates of firefighting equipment and fire alarms, and warned that dangling and unsafe electrical wiring posed serious fire and rain-related hazards.

The chief minister ordered province-wide inspection of gas cylinders and directed the sealing of companies manufacturing or selling substandard cylinders. Automatic sprinkler systems were made mandatory in all buildings.

She further ordered the removal of encroachments blocking entry and exit points in congested markets, including Lahore’s Shah Alam Market, and directed that monthly mock fire drills be conducted in all districts. Compliance with fire safety drills was included in the key performance indicators of commissioners and deputy commissioners.

Maryam Nawaz Sharif emphasised that fire safety measures should not remain cosmetic. “Rescue 1122 is a critical institution. We will provide the required equipment, capacity-building and training resources,” she said.

She also directed that boilers and flammable materials should not be stored in basements of multi-storey buildings, stating that the loss of a worker due to negligence was unacceptable. “No worker being burned or killed can be tolerated,” she said.

The chief minister directed that commercial buildings be given one month to install fire hydrants, warning that strict action would follow non-compliance.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026