RAWALPINDI — Authorities have issued notices to all high-rise buildings in Rawalpindi, directing them to implement mandatory fire safety measures within one month or face legal action, officials said on Monday.
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The decision was shared during a meeting at the deputy commissioner’s office, chaired by Additional Deputy Commissioner General Dr Hasaan Tarriq. Officials from the Rawalpindi Municipal Corporation (RMC), Water and Sanitation Agency (Wasa), district emergency office, Civil Defence and District Council attended the meeting.
According to officials, there are 163 high-rise buildings in the district, including those under cantonment boards. Of these, two buildings fall under Grade A, three under Grade B, six under Grade C and 152 under Grade D, based on height and safety requirements.
District Emergency Officer Sibghatullah said buildings measuring 50 feet or more in height had been categorised into grades, with specific safety requirements for each. Grade A buildings must install automatic fire alarms, sprinkler systems, fire extinguishers and designated emergency exits. Grade B buildings are required to have exit doors, safety signage, standpipes and fire dampers, while Grade C and D buildings must install first-aid boxes and external fire hydrants.
He added that the emergency office had provided Wasa with a list of 100 locations for installing fire hydrants, with work completed at 10 sites so far. The remaining installations are expected to be completed by next month.
Wasa officials told the meeting that installation of fire hydrants had begun across the city and a survey was under way to lay separate water supply lines for hydrants.
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RMC officials said notices had been served to all relevant buildings and warned that no new building plans would be approved without proper safety doors and staircases. They stressed that action would be taken against owners who fail to comply within the given timeframe. The move follows recent directives from the Punjab government to strengthen fire safety after a deadly fire in Karachi.