Punjab Orders Immediate Improvement Of Fire Safety In Govt Hospitals
LAHORE, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 28th Aug, 2026) Punjab Minister for Emergency Services, Khawaja Salman Rafique, on Friday visited Rescue Headquarters and reviewed fire safety arrangements in high-rise buildings and government hospitals across the province.
Secretary Emergency Services Department, Dr. Rizwan Naseer, briefed the minister on existing fire safety measures and emergency preparedness. Khawaja Salman Rafique directed that fire safety arrangements in Punjab's government hospitals be made immediate and effective.
Speaking on the occasion, Khawaja Salman Rafique said ensuring fire safety in government hospitals was a top priority on the instructions of Chief Minister Punjab, Maryam Nawaz Sharif. He stated that all necessary measures were being completed on a priority basis to further improve fire safety arrangements and ensure an effective response to emergencies.
He noted that the suitability and accessibility of emergency exits in hospitals were being reviewed with the assistance of Rescue 1122. Hospital administrations had also been directed to conduct comprehensive safety checks of air conditioners, electrical wiring, and electro-medical equipment.
The minister emphasized that effective fire safety arrangements in hospitals are essential for protecting citizens, patients, and medical staff.
Dr. Rizwan Naseer informed that Rescue 1122 was coordinating with relevant departments to improve fire safety and emergency response in hospitals. He stressed the need for regular inspection of fire hydrants, emergency exits, and firefighting arrangements, along with immediate identification and rectification of shortcomings.
He added that regular mock emergency drills in hospitals could ensure an effective response and safe evacuation in the event of a fire.
The meeting was informed that fire safety surveys of 2,449 high-rise buildings and all government hospitals across Punjab had been completed. The briefing also proposed installing fire hydrants near several important buildings and hospitals throughout the province.
The gathering discussed measures related to fire safety in high-rise buildings and hospitals, emergency evacuation procedures, fire hydrants, fire alarms, smoke detectors, emergency drills, and the availability of trained staff.