In a bold move to prioritize public safety, the Punjab government has instructed authorities to rigorously implement the Building Safety Regulations 2022 across all districts. Provincial Minister for Health and Emergency Services, Khawaja Salman Rafique, warned that any non-compliance will trigger immediate legal penalties, aiming to curb fire hazards and structural risks in urban areas.
The directive emerged from a pivotal meeting at Rescue Headquarters in Lahore, chaired by Minister Rafique. Emergency Services Secretary Dr. Rizwan Naseer delivered a comprehensive briefing on current fire safety protocols, emergency response infrastructure, and ongoing improvements province-wide.
Key updates include a thorough survey of 2,214 high-rise buildings, now fully assessed for compliance. The government also plans to extend fire services to 39 additional tehsils, backed by a Rs 2 billion investment, enhancing coverage in underserved areas.
Under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif's forward-thinking leadership, Punjab's emergency services are undergoing a major upgrade. Highlights include the rollout of air ambulance services and bolstered motorway rescue operations. "We are taking emergency services to the next level. Implementing these regulations is non-negotiable to save precious lives our government is fully committed," Rafique affirmed.
Dr. Naseer showcased Rescue 1122's robust capabilities: 281 advanced fire vehicles, 2,446 specialized fire rescuers, over 15,000 total personnel, 892 ambulances, 74 rescue vehicles, 20 aerial platforms for high-reach operations, and 800 rescue boats for flood-prone zones. The service has tackled more than 280,000 fire emergencies, preventing estimated losses of Rs 768 billion, and completed safety grading for all high-rise structures.
Minister Rafique appealed to the business community: "Safety is everyone's responsibility let's work together for full compliance." This push builds on similar efforts, like the CDA's fire safety audits in Islamabad.
