Approves foam generators to put out fires, orders smoke detectors in buildings; declares the use of AI in schools mandatory
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif addresses commissioners and deputy commissioners via video link on Wednesday, August 27, 2025.
LAHORE:
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Tuesday approved wide-ranging measures to prevent fire incidents across the province and set a deadline of one month for commercial buildings to install fire hydrants, warning that strict action would be taken in case of non-compliance.
The decisions were taken during a meeting chaired by the Prime Minister while addressing the commissioners and deputy commissioners (DCs) through video conferencing.
Approved the installation of 1,157 water hydrants across all nine divisions and the establishment of a new Fire Inspection Unit within Rescue 1122.
The Prime Minister also approved the use of modern high expansion foam generators to put out fires and ordered the installation of smoke detectors and closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras in large buildings.
First aid facilities and oxygen cylinders were made mandatory in major commercial structures.
Specialized training programs were approved for the chemical, cardboard, fabric and gas cylinder markets to improve fire emergency preparedness.
The Prime Minister ordered that all multi-storey buildings be equipped with hydrants, while stairs with external ventilation were made mandatory to ensure safe emergency evacuation.
CM Maryam, expressing grief over the Gul Plaza tragedy in Karachi, said Punjab stands in solidarity with the Sindh government, the people of Karachi and the bereaved families, and is ready to provide all possible help.
Referring to a recent fire in Lahore, the prime minister said around 300 people were present in a 25-storey hotel building at the time. “We are grateful that a major tragedy was averted thanks to standard operating procedures and timely response,” he said, adding that 300 people meant 300 families.
He praised the Rescue 1122 teams and noted that the CEO had arrived at the scene within five minutes. “The response time was commendable and should be replicated across Punjab,” the chief minister said.
Meeting participants were informed that damage to the hotel was prevented thanks to an operational fire hydrant nearby and the use of advanced high-expansion foam technology.
The Prime Minister expressed concern over the misuse of emergency exits in commercial buildings and directed strict action against violations. He directed the development authorities to ensure compliance of norms during the construction of the building and directed that fire safety equipment should not only be installed but also remain functional.
CM Maryam ordered a regular check of expiry dates of firefighting equipment and alarms, and warned that hanging and unsecured electrical wiring posed serious fire and rain-related risks. The prime minister ordered the inspection of gas cylinders across the province and the sealing of companies that manufacture or sell substandard cylinders. Automatic sprinkler systems were made mandatory in all buildings.
The prime minister also ordered the removal of encroachments blocking entry and exit points in congested commercial areas, including Shah Alam market. He ordered monthly fire drills in all districts. Compliance with fire safety drills was included in the key performance indicators of commissioners and CDs.
CM Maryam emphasized that fire safety measures should not be cosmetic. “Rescue 1122 is a critical institution. We will provide the necessary equipment, capacity building and training resources,” he said.
He also ordered that boilers and flammable material not be stored in the basements of multi-storey buildings, stating that the loss of a worker due to negligence was unacceptable. “It cannot be tolerated that any worker is burned or killed,” said the prime minister.
Stroke centers
Chairing a separate meeting of the health department, the chief minister approved the establishment of stroke management centers in all districts of the province. Deployment of neurologists and pediatric neurologists to all district headquarters hospitals (DHQ) was also approved. Under the plan, one doctor and one nurse from each district will undergo three-month training in stroke treatment.
The Prime Minister also ordered the immediate launch of a telemedicine project for stroke patients, which will allow doctors in district hospitals to consult specialists and consultants for quick treatment.
CM Maryam directed the department to start a training program for nurses at stroke centers and take steps to train rescue workers in stroke management. He ordered an awareness campaign on prevention and early treatment of stroke. He also announced that stroke management centers would be established in children’s hospitals in Punjab.
The premier also led the province’s first artificial intelligence (AI) training session for provincial ministers.
During the session, the Prime Minister declared the use of AI mandatory in Punjab schools and approved the establishment of a Google Tech Valley Digital Transformation Advisory Council.
