Punjab Minister for Health and Emergency Services Khawaja Salman Rafique has ordered strict implementation of Building Safety Regulations 2022 across the province, warning that violations will be dealt with under the law. The directive underscores government intent to reduce fire and structural risks in urban centres and protect lives.
The instruction came during a meeting at the Rescue 1122 Headquarters in Lahore chaired by Khawaja Salman Rafique, where Secretary Emergency Services Dr Rizwan Naseer presented the current status of fire safety measures and implementation progress. The Director Legal and other senior officials attended the session and reviewed compliance steps.
Officials reported that a survey and safety grading of 2,214 high-rise buildings across Punjab has been completed to improve preparedness and risk mitigation. This assessment forms a key part of the Building Safety drive and will guide enforcement priorities and remedial action at identified sites.
To further bolster emergency response capacity, a comprehensive plan is underway to extend fire services into 39 additional tehsils at an estimated cost of Rs 2 billion. Khawaja Salman Rafique said these upgrades, including the expansion of air ambulance services and emergency cover on motorways, reflect the vision of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif to modernise Punjab’s emergency infrastructure.
Rescue 1122 officials highlighted operational achievements, noting the service has responded to over 280,000 fire emergencies and averted potential losses estimated at Rs 768 billion. The fire service currently fields 281 fire vehicles and 2,446 trained fire rescuers, while the wider Rescue 1122 system operates with more than 15,000 rescuers, 892 ambulances, 74 rescue vehicles, 20 aerial platforms, and 800 rescue boats across the province.
Both the minister and emergency services leadership stressed that the success of Building Safety Regulations 2022 depends on coordinated enforcement and cooperation with the business community and building owners. The government said it will ensure compliance through inspection, grading follow-up and legal measures where necessary to safeguard residents and reduce disaster risk.
