RAWALPINDI: All high-rise buildings in the garrison city of Rawalpindi have been served notices to adopt fire safety measures within a month.

This was informed during a meeting held at the deputy commissioner’s office, chaired by Additional Deputy Commissioner General Dr Hasaan Tarriq.

The meeting was attended by officials of the Rawalpindi Municipal Corporation (RMC), Water and Sanitation Agency (Wasa), district emergency office, Civil Defence, District Council and others.

It was informed that there are 163 high-rise buildings in the district, including those under cantonment boards. Of these, two buildings fall under Grade A, three under Grade B, six under Grade C and 152 under Grade D.

Wasa officials say survey launched to lay separate water supply lines for the hydrants

District Emergency Officer Sibghatullah told Dawn that buildings with a height of 50 feet and above had been categorised into different grades. “For Grade A buildings, it is mandatory to install auto fire alarm and sprinkler systems, fire extinguishers and fire safety exits, while buildings falling under Grade B should install exit doors, signs, standpipes and fire dampers. Grade C and D buildings are required to install first-aid boxes and external fire hydrants,” he said.

He said the district emergency office had already provided Wasa with a list of 100 locations for the installation of fire hydrants, adding that work at 10 locations had so far been completed. He said the remaining work would be completed by next month.

Wasa officials informed the meeting that work had started on installing fire hydrants at different locations, while a survey had also been launched to lay separate water supply lines for the hydrants.

RMC officials said all buildings in city areas had been served notices to implement fire safety measures within a month, otherwise action would be taken against them.

They added that building plans were being reviewed and no further plans would be approved without safety doors and staircases. They said there were many buildings in the city exceeding 50 feet in height and owners would be required to comply with the directions within the stipulated timeframe.

Additional Deputy Commissioner General Dr Hasaan Tarriq told Dawn that the meeting was held to review work carried out to ensure fire safety in buildings and commercial areas across the district.

He said civic bodies had conveyed the directions of the provincial government and warned that stern action would be taken against those who remained negligent in implementing the Punjab government’s directives.

In the wake of the recent Karachi tragedy, the Punjab government last month stepped up fire safety measures, with Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz chairing an emergency meeting and approving the installation of international-standard external fire hydrants across the province.

According to an official notification issued by the Punjab Emergency Services Department, the government decided to ensure the availability of external fire hydrants at more than 1,000 locations throughout Punjab.

The housing secretary has directed managing directors of all Wasas to implement the plan, making Wasas responsible for checking the availability of external hydrants every 400 feet.

Officials said the hydrants will be installed primarily in narrow markets and congested commercial areas, where access during fires and emergencies is often difficult. The facilities will be available for immediate use in case of fire or other emergencies.

Under the new directives, commercial plazas taller than 50 feet will be required to install external fire hydrants at their own cost. Failure to comply will result in legal action and registration of cases against plaza management, the notification warned.

The move is aimed at strengthening emergency response capacity and preventing large-scale losses during fire incidents across Punjab.

Published in Dawn, February 3rd, 2026