Approves foam generators to extinguish fires, controls smoke detectors in buildings; declares use of AI mandatory in schools
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif addresses commissioners and deputy commissioners via video link on Wednesday, August 27, 2025.
LAHORE:
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Tuesday approved sweeping measures to prevent fires across the province and set a one-month deadline for commercial buildings to install fire hydrants, warning that strict measures would follow non-compliance.
The decisions were taken at a meeting chaired by the chief minister while addressing commissioners and deputy commissioners (DCs) through video link.
It approved the installation of 1,157 hydrants in the nine divisions and the creation of a new fire inspection unit within Rescue 1122.
The chief minister also approved the use of modern high-expansion foam generators to douse fires and ordered the installation of smoke detectors and closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras in large buildings.
First aid facilities and oxygen cylinders have been declared mandatory in large commercial structures.
Specialized training programs have been approved for the chemical, cardboard, fabric and gas cylinder markets to improve fire emergency preparedness.
The chief minister ordered that every multi-storeyed building should be equipped with fire hydrants, while externally ventilated staircases were made mandatory to ensure safe emergency evacuation.
Expressing grief over the Gul Plaza tragedy in Karachi, CM Maryam said Punjab stands in solidarity with the Sindh government, the people of Karachi and the bereaved families, and is ready to extend all possible help.
Referring to a recent fire incident in Lahore, the chief minister said around 300 people were present in a 25-storey hotel then. “We are grateful that a major tragedy was avoided thanks to rapid standard operating procedures and response,” she said, adding that 300 people meant 300 families.
She congratulated the Rescue 1122 teams, stressing that the general director had arrived on site in five minutes. “The response time has been commendable and should be replicated across Punjab,” the chief minister said.
Meeting attendees were informed that damage to the hotel was avoided thanks to a nearby operational fire hydrant and the use of advanced high expansion foam technology.
The chief minister expressed concern over misuse of emergency exits in commercial buildings and ordered strict action against violations. She charged development authorities to ensure compliance with regulations during the construction of buildings and ordered that fire safety equipment not only be installed but also remain functional.
CM Maryam ordered regular checking of expiry dates of fire-fighting equipment and alarms, and warned that dangling and dangerous electrical cables posed serious fire and rain hazards. The chief minister ordered a province-wide inspection of gas cylinders and sealing of companies manufacturing or selling substandard cylinders. Automatic sprinkler systems have become mandatory in all buildings.
The chief minister also ordered the removal of encroachments blocking entry and exit points in congested commercial areas, including Shah Alam Market. She ordered monthly fire drills in all districts. Compliance with fire safety exercises has been included in the key performance indicators for commissioners and CDs.
CM Maryam emphasized that fire safety measures should not remain cosmetic. “Rescue 1122 is an essential institution. We will provide the necessary equipment, capacity building and training resources,” she said.
She also ordered that boilers and flammable materials should not be stored in the basements of multi-storey buildings, saying the loss of a worker due to negligence was unacceptable. “No worker burned or killed can be tolerated,” the chief minister said.
Stroke Centers
Separately chairing a meeting of the health department, the chief minister approved the establishment of stroke centers in every district of the province. Posting of neurologists and pediatric neurologists in all District Headquarters (DHQ) hospitals has also been approved. Under the plan, one doctor and one nurse from each district will undergo three months of training in stroke management.
The chief minister also ordered the immediate launch of a telemedicine project for stroke patients, enabling doctors in district hospitals to consult specialists and consultants for timely treatment.
CM Maryam asked the department to launch a training program for nurses at stroke centers and take steps to train first aiders in stroke management. She ordered an awareness campaign on stroke prevention and early treatment. She also announced that stroke centers would be established in children’s hospitals in Punjab.
The chief minister also conducted the first-ever training session on artificial intelligence (AI) for provincial ministers.
During the session, the Chief Minister declared the use of AI mandatory in Punjab schools and approved the creation of an advisory council on digital transformation of Google Tech Valley.
