Provincial Minister for Health and Emergency Services Khawaja Salman Rafique has directed strict and immediate implementation of the Building Safety Regulations 2022 across Punjab, warning that legal action will follow any violations.
The instruction came at a high-level meeting held at Rescue 1122 Headquarters in Lahore, chaired by Khawaja Salman Rafique. Secretary Emergency Services Dr. Rizwan Naseer briefed officials on current fire safety measures and progress on regulatory roll-out, with the Director Legal and other senior officers in attendance.
Officials reported that a province-wide survey of 2,214 high-rise buildings has been completed to assess compliance and risk. Rescue 1122 has also finalised safety grading for these buildings to improve preparedness and targeted enforcement, an important step in strengthening building safety across urban centres.
A comprehensive plan to expand fire services into 39 additional tehsils was presented, with an estimated investment of Rs 2 billion to enhance emergency response capacity. The minister highlighted flagship initiatives such as the air ambulance service and specialised emergency coverage on motorways as part of a broader upgrade of provincial emergency services.
Dr. Rizwan Naseer noted that Rescue 1122 has responded to more than 280,000 fire emergencies, averting potential losses estimated at Rs 768 billion. The department currently fields 281 fire vehicles and 2,446 trained fire rescuers while operating a wider emergency fleet of over 15,000 rescuers, 892 ambulances, 74 rescue vehicles, 20 aerial platforms and 800 rescue boats across Punjab.
Khawaja Salman Rafique underlined the provincial government’s commitment to enforce the Building Safety Regulations 2022 and called for continued cooperation from the business community to ensure compliance. The combined focus on inspections, graded safety assessments and expanded response resources aims to reduce risks to life and property and raise building safety standards province-wide.
