Rawalpindi: All high-rise buildings in Rawalpindi have been served notices to implement fire safety measures within one month.
The announcement came during a meeting at the Deputy Commissioner’s office, chaired by Additional Deputy Commissioner General Dr Hasaan Tarriq. The meeting was attended by officials from the Rawalpindi Municipal Corporation (RMC), Water and Sanitation Agency (Wasa), Civil Defence, the district emergency office, the District Council, and other relevant departments.
Rawalpindi has 163 high-rise buildings, including those under cantonment boards. Of these, two are classified as Grade A, three as Grade B, six as Grade C, and 152 as Grade D.
District Emergency Officer Sibghatullah said buildings over 50 feet tall were categorized by grade. “Grade A buildings must install automatic fire alarms, sprinkler systems, fire extinguishers, and fire safety exits. Grade B buildings should have exit doors, signs, standpipes, and fire dampers. Grade C and D buildings need first-aid boxes and external fire hydrants,” he explained.
He added that Wasa had received a list of 100 locations for fire hydrants, with work completed at 10 sites so far. The remaining installations are expected to be finished by next month. Wasa has also begun laying separate water supply lines for the hydrants.
RMC officials said all city buildings have been served notices and warned that failure to comply within a month will result in legal action. They also noted that no new building plans will be approved without safety doors and staircases.
Dr Hasaan Tarriq said the meeting reviewed ongoing fire safety measures across the district and emphasized that strict action would be taken against negligent building owners, following directives from the Punjab government.
In response to the recent Karachi fire tragedy, the Punjab government has strengthened fire safety measures. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz chaired an emergency meeting and approved the installation of international-standard external fire hydrants throughout the province.
The Punjab Emergency Services Department has mandated external fire hydrants at over 1,000 locations, primarily in narrow streets and congested commercial areas, ensuring easy access during emergencies. Commercial plazas over 50 feet tall must install hydrants at their own cost, with legal action threatened for non-compliance.
Officials said the move aims to enhance emergency response capacity and prevent large-scale losses during fire incidents across Punjab.
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