Approves foam generators to extinguish fires, orders smoke detectors in buildings; declares the use of artificial intelligence mandatory in schools
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif addressing the Commissioners and Deputy Commissioners via video link on Wednesday, August 27, 2025. SCREENGRAB
LAHORE:
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz approved far-reaching measures to prevent fire incidents across the province on Tuesday and set a one-month deadline for commercial buildings to install fire hydrants, warning that strict action would follow non-compliance.
The decisions were taken during a meeting chaired by the Chief Minister while addressing the Commissioners and Deputy Commissioners (DC) through video link.
She approved the installation of 1,157 water taps across the nine divisions and the establishment of a new fire inspectorate in Rescue 1122.
The chief minister also approved the use of modern high-expansion foam generators to extinguish fires and ordered the installation of smoke detectors and closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras in large buildings.
First aid facilities and oxygen cylinders were declared mandatory in larger commercial structures.
Specialized training programs were approved for markets dealing in chemicals, cardboard, fabric and gas cylinders to improve fire emergency preparedness.
The Chief Minister ordered that every multi-storey building should be equipped with fire hydrants, while externally ventilated staircases were made mandatory to ensure safe emergency evacuation.
Expressing grief over the Gul Plaza tragedy in Karachi, CM Maryam said that Punjab stood in solidarity with the Sindh government, the people of Karachi and the bereaved families and was ready to extend all possible help.
Referring to a recent fire incident in Lahore, the chief 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 due to timely standard operating procedures and response,” she said, adding that 300 people meant 300 families.
She praised the Rescue 1122 teams and noted that the Director General had reached the spot within five minutes. “The response time was commendable and should be replicated across Punjab,” the chief minister said.
Meeting attendees were informed that damage to the hotel was prevented due to an operational nearby fire hydrant and the use of advanced high-expansion foam technology.
The Chief Minister expressed concern over misuse of emergency exits in commercial buildings and directed strict action against violations. She directed the development authorities to ensure the enforcement of the rules during construction and ordered that fire safety equipment should not only be installed but also remain functional.
CM Maryam ordered regular checking of expiry dates of firefighting equipment and alarms and warned that dangling and unsafe electrical wires posed serious fire and rain-related hazards. The chief minister ordered province-wide inspection of gas cylinders and sealing of companies manufacturing or selling substandard cylinders. Automatic sprinkler systems were made mandatory in all buildings.
The chief minister also ordered the removal of encroachments blocking entry and exit points in congested commercial areas, including Shah Alam Market. She ordered monthly fire drills in all districts. Adherence to fire safety drills was included in the commissioners’ and DCs’ key performance indicators.
CM Maryam emphasized that fire safety measures should not remain cosmetic. “Rescue 1122 is a critical institution. We will provide the necessary equipment, capacity building and training resources,” she said.
She also ordered that boilers and combustible material should not be stored in basements of multi-storey buildings, stating that the loss of a worker due to negligence was unacceptable. “No worker being burnt or killed can be tolerated,” the chief minister said.
Stroke centers
Chairing a meeting of the health department separately, the chief minister approved the establishment of stroke treatment centers in each district of the province. Posting of neurologists and pediatric neurologists in all District Headquarters (DHQ) hospitals was also approved. According to the plan, a doctor and a nurse from each district will undergo three months of training in stroke care.
The Chief Minister also ordered the immediate launch of a telemedicine project for stroke patients that will enable doctors in district hospitals to consult specialists and consultants for quick treatment.
CM Maryam directed the department to initiate a training program for nurses at the stroke centers and take steps for stroke management training of rescue workers. She commissioned an awareness campaign on stroke prevention and early treatment. She also announced that stroke treatment centers would be established in children’s hospitals across Punjab.
The Chief Minister also chaired the province’s first ever artificial intelligence (AI) training session for provincial ministers.
During the session, the Chief Minister declared the use of artificial intelligence mandatory in Punjab’s schools and approved the setting up of a Google Tech Valley Digital Transformation Advisory Board.
