Salman Rafique calls for strict fire safety measures across Punjab

Provincial Minister for Health and Emergency Services Khawaja Salman Rafique has directed authorities to strictly enforce fire safety

LAHORE:  Provincial Minister for Health and Emergency Services Khawaja Salman Rafique has directed authorities to strictly enforce fire safety standards in multi-storey buildings and ensure effective firefighting arrangements across Punjab.

Addressing an online meeting with district officers during his visit to Rescue Headquarters, the minister said emergency services were being upgraded in line with the vision of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. He stressed that fire safety measures must be implemented on merit without succumbing to any pressure, while building safety standards and joint training exercises among relevant agencies should be strictly followed.

He said Rescue 1122 was playing a vital role in protecting lives and property, while modern machinery worth billions of rupees, new ambulances and air ambulance services had strengthened emergency response across the province.

Emergency Services Secretary Dr Rizwan Naseer briefed the minister that 1,737 fire hydrants had been installed across Punjab, including 691 at hospitals and 1,046 in commercial markets. He said efforts were under way to identify key locations for installation of additional hydrants.

Khawaja Salman Rafique also inspected ongoing training activities at the Rescue Academy and discussed the practical utility of fire hydrants with district officers.

Rafique pays tribute to martyrs on International Day of Peace

Provincial Minister and Chairman of the Cabinet Committee on Law and Order Khawaja Salman Rafique has paid tribute to the armed forces, security personnel, police and other law-enforcement agencies, as well as martyrs who sacrificed their lives for peace and security in the country.

In his message on the International Day of Peace, the minister said Pakistan’s development and prosperity were closely linked to sustainable peace, describing peace as the foundation of progress and stability.

He said the sacrifices of Pakistan’s martyrs had protected countless generations and their services would always be remembered.
Khawaja Salman Rafique said the International Day of Peace reinforced the importance of tolerance, harmony and coexistence. He said, in line with the vision of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, efforts were being made to eliminate violence, hatred and extremism from society.

He added that those pursuing violence and chaos were undermining the country’s progress and prosperity.