Alarming Fire Safety Deficiencies Uncovered Across Punjab's Commercial Buildings
Following the devastating Gul Plaza fire in Karachi that claimed over 50 lives, provincial authorities in Punjab have conducted comprehensive fire safety inspections with deeply concerning results. The Punjab Emergency and Rescue Department's province-wide survey has exposed critical safety lapses across major commercial structures, revealing that the majority of inspected buildings fail to meet basic fire protection standards.
Shocking Statistics from Province-Wide Safety Audit
Officials examined a total of 2,214 buildings throughout Punjab, ranging from shopping malls and commercial plazas to markets. The findings paint a grim picture of fire safety preparedness:
- 1,722 buildings were placed in the lowest 'D' safety category
- Only 65 structures met the highest A-grade safety standards
- 129 buildings received B-grade classification
- 284 structures fell into the C-grade category
The provincial capital of Lahore emerged as particularly high-risk, with 682 buildings classified as 'D' category and 13 structures declared completely unsafe for occupation. The report highlighted that most D-category buildings lacked fundamental fire protection measures including functional fire alarms, sprinkler systems, and clearly marked emergency exits.
Government Response and Enforcement Measures
In response to these alarming findings, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz announced a comprehensive audit of fire safety systems at all commercial and residential plazas as well as high-rise buildings across the province. She emphasized the need for new standard operating procedures (SOPs) and their strict enforcement to prevent risks such as electrical short circuits and delayed emergency responses.
"Inspections will cover both public and private buildings, including government offices, hospitals, schools, and commercial centers," the chief minister stated, adding that "public safety would remain her government's top priority."
Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique ordered immediate implementation of the Building Safety Regulations 2022 throughout the province, directing officials to take strict legal action against violators. During a meeting at Rescue 1122 headquarters in Lahore, Emergency Services Secretary Dr. Rizwan Naseer confirmed completion of surveys for all 2,214 high-rise buildings and outlined plans to expand fire services to 39 additional tehsils at an estimated cost of Rs2 billion.
Rawalpindi District Takes Strict Action
Meanwhile, the Rawalpindi district administration has issued stringent directives making modern and functional fire-fighting equipment and emergency exits mandatory across the district. These orders apply to:
- All shopping malls and commercial plazas
- Major factories and manufacturing units
- Chemical and acid production facilities
- Cardboard, paper, plastic, and furniture factories
- Garment units and major markets
Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner Hasan Waqar Cheema has directed all area assistant commissioners to carry out inspections, while the Civil Defence Department will conduct large-scale operations and provide training to employees on fire-fighting equipment use and rescue procedures. All commercial establishments have been warned to install proper fire-fighting equipment by January 25, 2026, with a crackdown beginning January 26 featuring zero tolerance for non-compliance, including heavy fines and legal cases.
Emergency Services Infrastructure and Future Plans
According to Rescue 1122 data, Punjab currently operates 281 fire vehicles with 2,446 trained fire rescuers. The service has responded to more than 280,000 fire emergencies, preventing estimated losses of Rs768 billion. Province-wide emergency services include:
- Over 15,000 rescuers
- 892 ambulances
- 20 aerial platforms
- 800 rescue boats
Minister Rafique emphasized that enforcing building safety regulations was 'the need of the hour' to prevent further loss of lives, noting that the initiative aligns with the chief minister's vision to modernize emergency services through measures like air ambulance operations and improved response systems.
Authorities have warned that notices will be issued immediately to owners of D-category buildings, requiring mandatory installation of fire safety systems within fixed timeframes. Failure to comply will result in fines and legal action, as officials reiterated there would be no compromise on the protection of lives and property during the intensified enforcement of fire safety laws across Punjab.
