Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Tuesday instructed deputy commissioners (DCs) to ensure the installation of fire hydrants in all the commercial and high-rise buildings across the province within 30 days.
She issued these directives at a provincial cabinet meeting in Lahore — which was broadcast live on television — three days after a fire at a hotel in the provincial capital’s Gulberg area claimed three lives.
Seven people sustained burn injuries in the incident while 275 staff members and guests were safely evacuated from the hotel.
Following the incident, Maryam also directed the DCs — who attended the cabinet meeting — to ensure that all buildings that were being constructed had fire safety systems installed prior to the completion of construction.
“Make sure that all the safety equipment is functional as well,” she emphasised.
The chief minister further instructed that the prices of fire hydrants should be “locked” for the next 90 days, as the prices might surge due to the increasing demand.
Moreover, she instructed that all the commercial plazas should have “first aid [facilities], oxygen cylinders, automatic water sprinkling systems and ventilated emergency staircases, preferably outside the building”.
Maryam added that “no boilers and hazardous or smoke-emitting material” should be allowed in the basements.
“Seal every substandard boiler immediately, because when it explodes, it causes widespread destruction and claims lives,” she said, adding that no life should be lost in a fire incident because one death affects an entire family.
The Punjab CM also noted that those working in markets where chemicals, plastic and garments were sold “take safety very lightly” when dealing with sensitive or hazardous materials.
“Encroachments, over-stuffing and tight spaces also cause blockage and suffocation during an emergency,” she further stated, adding that when panic spreads in such situations, people get “trapped” because of unplanned structures.
“We must ensure that all encroachments are removed, and all entry and exit points must be cleared,” she stressed.
Commending her team for their rescue efforts during the fire at the hotel in Gulberg, she said, “Our government becomes one unit at the time of any emergency”.
Maryam also highlighted that the response time of Rescue 1122 team in the incident was just five minutes, which prevented a possible tragedy.
She also expressed grief over the recent fire in Karachi’s Gul Plaza, saying that her government stands with the aggrieved and is ready to extend any help if needed.
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