Safety audits of high-rise buildings

Fire hydrants, alarm systems and clearly marked emergency exits made mandatory

RAWALPINDI:

Safety certificates have been mandated for all multi-storey buildings across the division's six districts.

Under the new directives, all high-rise buildings must be equipped with fire hydrants and alarm systems, and must provide clearly marked emergency exits.

The Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO) has been instructed to remove hanging and exposed electricity wires without delay. All commercial buildings and plazas are required to have external emergency staircases, while large buildings must appoint a designated safety manager and establish an emergency response team.

Furthermore, the installation of CCTV cameras and smoke detection systems has been made mandatory, along with the availability of first-aid boxes and oxygen cylinders. A complete ban has been imposed on storing hazardous materials in basements, as well as on the installation of gas cylinders, boilers, or kitchens in basement areas.

Presiding over a fire safety review meeting at the Commissioner's Office, Khattak said that, in line with special directives from the Punjab government, the presence of fire safety equipment in multi-storey buildings, high-rise structures, and commercial markets must be ensured. He emphasised that the protection of life and property is the government's foremost responsibility.