Punjab fires

The series of tragic fires should launch the authorities into thorough investigations

The series of tragic fires in Bahalwalpur, Sialkot and Gujranwala should launch the authorities into thorough investigations. With no concept of fire insurance on one’s property, the shopkeepers and small vendors affected by the blazes are facing difficult times. Authorities must realise that this group of workers depends on daily wages and lives a life of constant financial struggle. Swift action is imperative.

Two of the fires were allegedly caused by short circuits. This has been all too common and points to shoddy wiring frameworks across cities. The time to review safety standards and implement them has come. Fortunately there was no loss of human life but in other cases where short circuits and electrical fires are to blame, the outcome is not as fortunate. When we speak of the value of life, we must also consider non-human lives that were lost in the jungle fire in Sialkot along with the greenery that defines the Punjab region. It is unacceptable that the fire may have been caused by a lit cigarette and it is not the first case of its kind, either. Citizens need to demonstrate greater responsibility towards their own country. In effect, this is arson and the person responsible should be tried to make an example out of. In dry weather, ban on smoking near public parks should be considered to prevent such fires from spreading.

We look forward to follow-up as to the causes of these fires occurring at similar times. A ban on neglectful acts such as smoking near public parks and improper disposal of cigarette butts and other flammables should be publicised. We are limited in our greenery as we move further south in the country and cannot afford more loss of it nor pollution to the environment with the effects of climate change looming.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 30^th, 2018.

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