Rawalpindi Bans Use of Large Gas Cylinders

With summer temperatures on the rise, the Rawalpindi district administration has banned the use of large gas cylinders in densely populated neighborhoods, multi-story buildings, basements, and busy commercial markets.

The ban also applies to welding shops using calcium carbide tanks and welding kits. According to officials, these setups pose serious fire hazards, especially in poorly ventilated or congested spaces.

The Deputy Commissioner has directed the Civil Defense Department to take strict action against violators, with a focus on hotels, food outlets, and traditional ovens (tandoors) that commonly use large cylinders.

District Civil Defense Officer Talib Hussain said the risk of fire increases significantly in the summer heat. “Large cylinders stored in tight, enclosed areas can turn into potential death traps,” he warned. Welding shops using hazardous materials were also flagged as high-risk.

So far, the department has issued 212 warning notices and sealed 16 businesses. Shopkeepers have been instructed to switch to safer alternatives, such as piped natural gas or smaller cylinders.

Enforcement teams are currently active in Rawalpindi and cantonment areas, with operations expected to expand soon to Murree, Kotli Sattian, Kahuta, Kallar Syedan, Gujar Khan, and Taxila.