Punjab Orders Strict Implementation of Building Safety Regulations
Punjab Orders Strict Implementation of Building Safety Regulations
Comprehensive Fire Safety Audit for All Buildings Across the Province
The Punjab government has taken a major step to safeguard lives and property by ordering the strict enforcement of the Building Safety Regulations 2022 across the province. The move comes amid growing concerns about building safety standards especially in high-rise buildings, markets, schools, and hospitals and follows alarming survey results highlighting serious fire risks in many structures.
What Triggered the Action?
Recent inspections revealed that a large number of commercial and residential buildings in Punjab are severely lacking fire safety measures. A province-wide survey found that most inspected plazas, markets, and shopping malls were rated in the lowest safety categories, with only a small number meeting basic safety standards raising concerns that these structures could become “death traps” in a major emergency.
In Rawalpindi alone, out of 163 high-rise buildings inspected, only one was classified as safe, underscoring the urgent need for action.
Government’s New Safety Directives
Under the new orders:
✔ Full Implementation of Building Safety Regulations 2022
The regulations must now be applied province-wide without exception. Officials emphasized that violations will invite strict legal action.
✔ Two-Week Compliance Deadline
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif chaired a high-level meeting and issued a strict two-week ultimatum for all buildings — including markets, schools, hospitals, and high-rises to complete their fire safety upgrades and compliance checks.
✔ Province-Wide Fire Safety Audits
All structures must undergo a comprehensive fire safety audit, ensuring they have:
Functional fire alarms and sprinkler systems
Clearly marked emergency exits
Proper fire safety signage
Clear entry and exit routes
The CM also directed fire drills across the province to ensure preparedness in case of emergencies.
✔ Empowering Rescue & Emergency Services
Special powers have been delegated to Punjab Emergency & Rescue Services (PERA / Rescue 1122) to enforce compliance efficiently. A dedicated monitoring cell will also be established to track progress and enforcement.
Why This Matters for Punjab
📌 Protecting lives and property
Urgent building safety improvements are crucial after many structures were found deficient in essential fire protection systems.
📌 Preventing future disasters
With events like fire outbreaks showing how devastating emergencies can be, stronger safety protocols will reduce risks and casualties.
📌 Legal accountability
Failure to comply with the regulations could lead to legal penalties and closures pushing owners and authorities to maintain high safety standards.
What Building Owners Must Do
If you own or manage a building in Punjab, here’s what you need to focus on immediately:
Complete a professional fire safety audit
Install or upgrade fire alarms and suppression systems
Ensure clear signage and unobstructed exits
Train staff and occupants on emergency procedures
Cooperate with Rescue 1122 and provincial inspectors
Completing these measures within the two-week deadline will help avoid fines and legal action, and most importantly will protect lives.
