ISLAMABAD: A fire safety audit conducted by the Punjab government has exposed serious deficiencies in high-rise buildings across Rawalpindi, with officials confirming that only one out of 163 buildings meets the full requirements of government fire safety regulations.
Authorities ordered the audit after the deadly Gul Plaza fire in Karachi claimed at least 63 lives and left dozens missing, prompting renewed focus on building safety across Punjab. The inspection took place under the Community Safety Building Regulations and aimed to assess preparedness, prevention measures, and emergency response systems in densely populated structures.
Audit Results Reveal Widespread Safety Failures
Data released by the Emergency Services Department, Rescue 1122, shows that Rawalpindi has 163 high-rise buildings, yet only one commercial building operates with a complete and automated fire safety system. Inspectors classified buildings into three categories based on compliance levels. They placed only one building in Category A, declaring it fully safe.
Meanwhile, officials assigned 11 buildings to Categories B and C due to incomplete fire safety arrangements. More alarmingly, inspectors declared 151 buildings completely unsafe and placed them in Category C.
The report identified major shortcomings, including the absence of basic fire safety equipment, lack of functional emergency exits, missing smoke exhaust systems, and failure to install automated fire detection mechanisms. Consequently, authorities described the situation as a significant public safety risk that demands urgent corrective action.
Authorities Issue Deadlines and Warn of Sealing Action
Regulators have issued formal notices to owners of commercial buildings that lack proper fire safety systems. Rawalpindi Development Authority Director General Kinza Murtaza confirmed that authorities have given building owners time until February 28 to install required safety mechanisms. She warned that officials will seal buildings that fail to comply after the deadline.
Meanwhile, records show that Rawalpindi reported 1,712 fire incidents last year, which caused four deaths and injured 107 people, placing the district third in Punjab for fire-related emergencies.
Rescue 1122 stated that it maintains an average response time of under eight minutes and remains fully equipped. Authorities clarified that municipal bodies approve commercial building plans, while the RDA regulates high-rises and requires mandatory NOCs from relevant departments before construction begins.
