Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Tuesday directed deputy commissioners to install fire hydrants in all commercial and high-rise buildings across the province within 30 days.
The instructions came during a provincial cabinet meeting in Lahore, held three days after a fire at a Gulberg hotel claimed three lives and injured seven, while 275 staff and guests were safely evacuated.
Maryam Nawaz also ordered that all under-construction buildings install functional fire safety systems before completion. She instructed that the prices of fire hydrants be fixed for 90 days to prevent surges due to rising demand.
The chief minister emphasized that commercial plazas must be equipped with first aid, oxygen cylinders, automatic sprinklers, and ventilated emergency staircases. She also banned boilers and hazardous materials in basements, warning that substandard boilers should be sealed immediately to prevent accidents.
Maryam highlighted the dangers of encroachments, overcrowding, and blocked exits, calling for the removal of all obstacles to ensure safe evacuation during emergencies.
She praised her team for the quick response at the Gulberg hotel fire, noting that Rescue 1122 reached the site within five minutes, preventing further loss of life. She also expressed solidarity with victims of the recent fire at Karachi’s Gul Plaza.
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