Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has ordered strict implementation of the Building Safety Act, announcing a comprehensive fire safety plan across the province to protect lives and property.

She vowed that no building, market, hospital, or school would be allowed to become a “death trap.”

Chairing a high-level meeting, the CM directed fire safety audits for all markets, commercial buildings, hospitals, schools, and high-rise structures, with a two-week ultimatum for owners to meet safety standards.

All buildings must maintain clear entry and exit routes and proper safety signage, while external fire hydrants will be installed at every location.

Rescue 1122, South Asia’s only UN-certified rescue service, will expand operations to all tehsils, using thermal drones, geo-tagging, and advanced fire-fighting equipment to enhance emergency response.

The Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) will ensure fire hydrants are installed at geo-tagged locations, and a special cell within the para-force has been created to enforce the Building Safety Act.

Maryam Nawaz emphasised that tactics, courage, and modern technology are critical to combating fires, warning that there will be no tolerance for negligence.

She assured that every tehsil, market, building, school, and high-rise in Punjab will now be safe.

The CM also highlighted that recent initiatives have improved rescue services’ accessibility by removing encroachments and enhancing rapid response capabilities across the province.

Separately, she noted that since February 2024, Punjab has created 949,036 employment opportunities across the province.