Plea filed against 'lapses' in fire safety enforcement

LAHORE:

A constitutional petition has been filed in the Lahore High Court (LHC) highlighting what the petitioner termed a worsening fire safety crisis across Punjab, citing recent fatal incidents and alleged systemic failures in emergency response infrastructure.

The plea, moved by the Activism Panel, contends that a series of recent fire outbreaks, including incidents at a hotel in Gulberg, a factory in Rawat and a commercial building in Barkat Market, point to serious lapses in fire prevention measures and enforcement of safety regulations.

It argues that the repeated incidents amount to a violation of citizens' fundamental rights to life and security as guaranteed under the Constitution. According to the petition, 78% of buildings in the province fall under Grade D in terms of fire safety compliance, while 682 structures have been declared high-risk.

It further states that 13 buildings have been categorised as uninhabitable due to safety concerns. The petition also highlights shortcomings in emergency services, claiming that 83% of ambulances operated by Rescue 1122 have exceeded their operational lifespan.