The Punjab government has approved an emergency plan to install more than 1,100 fire hydrants across major commercial markets, plazas and business centres in the province, as part of a broader push to strengthen fire safety and emergency response mechanisms.
Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari said the move comes in the wake of recent fire incidents, including the Gul Plaza tragedy in Karachi, and is aimed at preventing similar disasters in Punjab. She said all stakeholders, including owners of plazas, schools and hospitals, have been given two weeks to fully implement newly enforced Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
Under the plan, a total of 1,142 fire hydrants will be installed at key commercial locations across the province. All sites have already been geotagged, and the hydrants are expected to become operational by March 1. Rescue 1122 has been tasked with the installation and operational readiness of the hydrants.
Bokhari said the provincial government has also introduced a building grading system, under which structures will be classified based on safety standards. Buildings meeting safety requirements will be designated as A-grade, while others will be ranked according to their condition and level of compliance.
She added that the firefighting sector in Punjab is being upgraded with modern equipment, including drones and advanced monitoring technology. Rescue 1122 will provide the Water and Sanitation Agency (Wasa) with a geotagged list of existing water hydrants to ensure faster access during emergencies.
To enforce compliance, a new monitoring cell will be established with powers granted to the Pera Force. Bokhari said buildings are now legally required to clearly display entry and exit points to facilitate evacuation and rescue operations.
Highlighting improvements in emergency response, she said modern ambulances and air ambulances are being deployed across the province. According to her, Rescue 1122 has already airlifted 240 patients and prevented potential losses exceeding Rs750 billion through timely interventions.
The Punjab government says the measures reflect a zero-tolerance policy toward safety lapses and a renewed focus on protecting lives and property through preparedness, regulation and modern emergency infrastructure.
