The Punjab government has issued fresh safety instructions for commercial buildings after the Gul Plaza tragedy in Karachi, tightening requirements for fire prevention and emergency exits across the province.
Punjab Chief Secretary held an online meeting with commissioners and deputy commissioners. During the session, he made the installation of firefighting equipment mandatory in commercial buildings. He also directed local governments to enforce the SOPs strictly.
The chief secretary further ordered that three-storey buildings must install steel staircases to enable emergency evacuation. He said the evacuation staircase must be properly connected from the second floor to ensure a clear exit route during an emergency. He also clarified that building owners do not need any NOC to install these steel staircases.
According to an official statement, every floor of a building must have a fire extinguisher. The statement added that owners or management of commercial buildings must ensure full compliance with the new directions within 15 days.
Meanwhile, the Rawalpindi Development Authority has issued a checklist for building owners to support enforcement.
RDA Director General Kanza Murtaza has decided to conduct fire safety audits in high-rise buildings in Rawalpindi. The authority has already informed building owners about the planned process.
Murtaza said the authority sent a fire safety checklist to high-rise building owners. She added that officials have prepared an inspection form to ensure fire safety arrangements remain complete for emergency situations. The form includes checks for fire prevention equipment, the electrical system, and emergency routes.
She also warned that authorities will take legal action against owners found in violation.
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