RAWALPINDI: Following the school van fire incident in Murree, the City Traffic Police has formed special squads to check fire safety arrangements in public service and school vans to prevent such incidents in future.

A spokesman for the City Traffic Police Murree said in a press release that, on the orders of District Police Officer Murree Raza Tanveer Sipra and Chief Traffic Officer Murree Munir Ahmed Hashmi, special squads of traffic wardens had been formed to ensure safety arrangements in public service vehicles, particularly those used to transport schoolchildren.

The squads have intensified vehicle checks at various highways and locations across the district. They are specifically checking the presence and usability of fire extinguishers in school vans, the spokesman said.

Mr Hashmi directed traffic wardens not to compromise on safety arrangements for vehicles carrying schoolchildren and general passengers. Drivers, vehicle owners and transporters have been asked to ensure that suitable and usable fire extinguishers are available in their vehicles.

The spokesman said the safety of children’s lives and property was the top priority, particularly in school transport. He said vehicles should be equipped with the necessary fire safety equipment.

According to the traffic police, in case of a vehicle fire caused by a sudden short circuit, fuel leakage, or other reasons, the first few moments are crucial.

A usable fire extinguisher can help control a fire at an early stage and reduce potential loss of life and property until Rescue 1122 and other emergency services arrive.

The special squads have been instructed to check not only the presence of fire extinguishers but also their serviceable condition and expiry dates during inspections of public service and school transport.

The City Traffic Police has also urged school administrations, parents, transporters and drivers to pay special attention to the safety arrangements of vehicles used to transport children. Parents and school administrations should ensure that necessary safety equipment is available and usable, the spokesman said.

The traffic police said checks on public service and school transport would continue, with special squads conducting inspections at various locations to ensure compliance with safety requirements.

Published in Dawn, September 30th, 2026