Rawalpindi: The Punjab government has given the Rawalpindi Municipal Corporation (RMC), district administration, and municipal committees 15 days to install emergency external staircases in buildings having three or more floors, across their respective jurisdictions.
The Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) has also been directed to set up water hydrants in all major markets, including Raja Bazaar and Commercial Market, to facilitate firefighting, especially in narrow streets where large fire trucks cannot access.
Government hospitals have been ordered to ensure the presence of fire safety equipment and take necessary measures immediately. District Emergency Officer Sibghatullah said that the provincial government has issued new standard operating procedures to prevent fire incidents. Emergency exits will now be mandatory in all building plans, and no approvals will be granted without them.
A high-level meeting on rescue and emergency arrangements was held under Commissioner Amir Khattak, attended by the additional commissioner, officials from Rescue 1122, Civil Defence, and heads of relevant departments. The meeting aimed to coordinate strategies to respond effectively to emergencies, natural disasters, or accidents.
Commissioner Khattak stressed the need for regular emergency drills in all government and private buildings, schools, markets, and public places to raise awareness and ensure timely response. Departments were instructed to prepare detailed action plans, highlighting available resources, manpower, machinery, and response times.
He also directed the establishment of an effective communication system for emergency-related information to support fast decision-making and smooth rescue operations. Rescue 1122 motorbikes will remain ready to access narrow streets, delivering first aid and emergency services quickly.
The meeting concluded with a plan to adopt a joint strategy involving Civil Defence, Rescue 1122, and other departments, ensuring continuous communication, information sharing, and joint drills for public safety.
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