Punjab fire safety audit: Only 133 of 2,449 buildings achieve grade-A compliance

A report submitted to the Lahore High Court has highlighted significant gaps in fire safety compliance across buildings assessed in Punjab with just 133 of 2,449 inspected structures reportedly achieving Grade-A status.

LAHORE: A report submitted to the Lahore High Court has highlighted significant gaps in fire safety compliance across buildings assessed in Punjab with just 133 of 2,449 inspected structures reportedly achieving Grade-A status.

According to the report attributed to the Punjab Emergency Services Department four buildings were classified as Grade F while another 2,312 remained at different stages of compliance and corrective work. The department also reported issuing 129 fire safety certificates to buildings meeting the required standards.

The figures were presented in proceedings concerning building safety and the prevention of fire-related casualties. The Lahore High Court has previously sought details from the Punjab government about fire prevention measures and enforcement of safety standards.

Hospital inspections reveal safety concerns

The assessment covered 239 hospitals across Punjab including tertiary-care facilities district headquarters hospitals and tehsil headquarters hospitals.

The second inspection round identified shortcomings in several important areas. According to the supplied report 44 hospitals did not meet the required standard for ventilated emergency staircases while 99 lacked the prescribed floor separators in electrical ducts. Basement access was also inadequate in 31 facilities.

These measures play an important role during emergencies. Properly designed escape routes help people leave buildings safely while fire-resistant separation in electrical ducts can limit the spread of flames between floors. Such safeguards are particularly important in hospitals where patients may need assistance evacuating.

Fire hydrant installation still incomplete

The department’s reported figures also show progress in installing fixed firefighting infrastructure although some work remains outstanding.

Of the 1,271 hydrants proposed for commercial areas, 1,046 had reportedly been installed. In hospitals 691 of the 710 planned installations were recorded as complete.

Several administrative divisions had completed their planned hospital installations while others still had outstanding work according to the supplied data.

Compliance and follow-up remain important

Punjab’s building safety framework sets requirements for emergency exits and other protective measures under the Punjab Community Safety Buildings Regulations 2022.

The latest figures underline the importance of completing corrective work conducting follow-up inspections and ensuring that buildings meet the applicable standards.

The department reportedly said inspections remediation and certification activities were continuing across the province. The effectiveness of these efforts will depend on addressing identified deficiencies and verifying compliance through subsequent assessments.

The reported figures describe the status of inspected buildings not necessarily every building in Punjab. Individual buildings actual risks must be assessed against their specific conditions and applicable safety requirements.