RAWALPINDI: The Punjab government has given 15 days to the Rawalpindi Municipal Corporation (RMC), district administration and municipal committees in the tehsils to ensure the installation of emergency external staircases in all three-storey buildings within their jurisdictions.

It has also directed the Water and Sanitation Agency (Wasa) to install water hydrants in all major markets of the garrison city, including Raja Bazaar, Commercial Market and other commercial areas, as soon as possible.

The reason cited for installing water hydrants is that heavy fire bowzers face difficulty entering the narrow streets of bazaars.

The government has further asked all government-run hospitals to ensure the presence of fire safety measures in their buildings and to install all required fire safety equipment at the earliest.

Wasa asked to ensure provision of hydrants in all major markets

District Emergency Officer Sibghatullah told Dawn that the provincial government had issued new standard operating procedures for all departments and civic agencies to avoid incidents similar to the Karachi Gul Plaza tragedy in the province.

He said civic bodies would ensure the inclusion of emergency exits in building plans and no plan would be approved unless emergency exits were incorporated. He added that the Punjab government had instructed all departments and civic agencies to work jointly to prevent fires in commercial plazas, bazaars, hospitals and public places.

Meanwhile, an important meeting regarding rescue and emergency arrangements was held in Rawalpindi district under the chairmanship of Commissioner Amir Khattak. The meeting was attended by the additional commissioner, officials of Rescue 1122, Civil Defence and heads of all relevant departments.

The objective of the meeting was to devise an effective coordinated strategy at the divisional level to deal with any possible emergency situation, natural disasters or sudden accidents.

During the meeting, the Rawalpindi commissioner stressed that regular rescue and emergency drills should be initiated immediately in all government and private buildings, educational institutions, markets and public places to create awareness among staff and citizens and to ensure timely and appropriate responses in emergencies.

He directed all departments to prepare detailed action plans in line with their respective responsibilities, clearly outlining available resources, manpower, machinery and response time.

The departments were instructed to prepare these plans through mutual coordination to ensure joint and effective action during emergencies. The meeting also emphasised the need to keep data on sensitive locations, densely populated areas, narrow streets and risk zones updated.

The commissioner further directed all departments to establish an effective communication system for the exchange of emergency-related information to facilitate timely decision-making and avoid hindrances in rescue operations.

He issued clear instructions that Rescue 1122 motorbikes should be kept effectively mobilised for immediate access to narrow and congested streets, enabling the delivery of first aid and rescue services in the shortest possible time.

It was also agreed that a joint strategy would be adopted with Civil Defence, Rescue 1122 and all other relevant departments fully on board. Continuous communication, information sharing and joint drills would be ensured among these institutions for public safety.

Mr Khattak said the district administration would remain prepared at all times to deal with any emergency or disaster and directed all institutions to prioritise immediate response, effective coordination and the protection of life and property.

At the end of the meeting, it was decided that a follow-up meeting would be held on Monday to review preparations, action plans and steps taken so far to ensure a timely and effective response in any emergency.

Published in Dawn, January 24th, 2026