Punjab Province

Lahore: ReNews Pakistan Punjab has ordered the compulsory installation of fully functional fire hydrants and integrated fire safety systems in all high rise multi storey and commercial buildings following alarming evidence of widespread safety lapses across major cities. Under new directives issued by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz building owners have been given a 30 day deadline to comply. Officials say inspections will intensify after the deadline with penalties fines and sealing of premises among the enforcement measures being prepared for non compliant structures. As part of the policy shift the provincial cabinet has approved the installation of 1157 additional public fire hydrants across key urban divisions to improve water availability during emergencies. A dedicated Fire Inspectorate Unit has also been created within Rescue 1122 to carry out safety audits monitor compliance and oversee the maintenance of installed systems. Authorities say the reforms reflect a move away from reactive firefighting towards preventive risk management particularly in densely populated and vertically expanding urban areas. The updated framework includes mandatory alarm systems smoke detectors emergency exits modern firefighting equipment and integrated response mechanisms aimed at reducing response times and limiting loss of life and property. The decision follows surveys and preliminary inspections that revealed widespread non compliance with fire safety regulations nationwide. In several major cities large numbers of tall and commercial buildings were found to be operating without basic safety infrastructure including functional fire hydrants alarms fire extinguishers or clearly marked evacuation routes. In Rawalpindi officials reported that only one out of more than 160 tall buildings met required fire safety standards. Assessments in Islamabad found that over half of tall buildings lacked essential firefighting equipment. In Lahore district administrations and Rescue 1122 teams have launched large scale inspections of plazas shopping centres and tall developments issuing notices and warning of closures if deficiencies are not addressed. Officials say the crackdown marks a coordinated national push to strengthen fire preparedness after years of weak enforcement warning that unchecked violations in dense urban developments pose a growing risk in rapidly urbanising cities.

Kasur: District Reporter Sadaf Arshad | ReNews Pakistan Water levels in the Sutlej River at Ganda Singh Wala in district Kasur have increased following fresh upstream water releases, prompting local and provincial authorities to intensify monitoring and precautionary arrangements in low-lying and river-adjacent areas. According to the district administration and irrigation officials, inflows at the border point have shown a noticeable rise over recent hours, leading to strengthened surveillance of embankments, canals, and protective boundries. Technical teams have been deployed to continuously observe river gauges and assess the stability of flood protection infrastructure. The Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), Irrigation Department, and district administration Kasur have placed emergency and field staff on alert to respond swiftly in case of further increases in discharge. Machinery, rescue equipment, and temporary relief arrangements are being kept ready as part of standard flood preparedness protocols. Officials stated that fluctuations in the Sutlej are often linked to upstream reservoir management and rainfall activity, which can rapidly affect downstream flow patterns. As a precaution, residents living near riverbanks and agricultural belts have been advised to remain vigilant and follow official instructions. Community awareness messages have been issued to discourage unnecessary movement near the river. From an urban and land-use perspective, authorities noted that rising water levels may pose risks to rural settlements, cultivated land, road links, and local infrastructure, particularly in floodplain zones. Departments concerned with health, livestock, and municipal services have also been asked to prepare contingency plans to ensure continuity of essential services if access routes are disrupted. No large-scale evacuation has been ordered at this stage; however, continuous assessment is underway. The situation remains under close observation, with further measures to be implemented if river discharge increases.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan The Punjab government has formally initiated a pilot project to relocate overhead electricity distribution lines underground in Lahore as part of a broader effort to strengthen public safety, improve urban land use management, and modernise essential civic infrastructure in the provincial capital. Lahore has been selected as the first city for implementation, with the initial phase targeting central and inner-city areas where dense construction, mixed residential and commercial activity, and congested streets have long been associated with safety risks caused by exposed and unregulated overhead wiring. Officials stated that the presence of hanging cables has frequently contributed to short circuits, fire incidents, and accidental electrocutions, particularly in older neighbourhoods and high-traffic markets. Such risks tend to increase during seasonal events, including Basant, when kite strings often come into contact with live wires. The project will be executed through a phased, zone-based approach under which the city will be divided into multiple sectors to allow works to proceed systematically while maintaining continuity of electricity and communication services. Civil works will include the installation of underground ducts and trench systems, relocation of transmission and distribution lines below ground level, and the gradual removal of redundant poles and overhead infrastructure. Authorities have indicated that special measures will be taken to minimise disruption to businesses, residents, and other utility services during the transition period. A steering committee comprising representatives of the Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO), provincial ministers, and officials from housing, planning, and local government departments has been constituted to supervise implementation and ensure inter-agency coordination. The committee will oversee right-of-way management, road restoration, and integration of the new system with existing urban services in accordance with municipal and planning regulations. Urban management and property experts consider the initiative an important step toward improving compliance with zoning and building standards. Overhead wiring has historically complicated road expansion, construction activity, and streetscape development, while also obstructing emergency access and routine maintenance. The relocation of utilities underground is expected to create a more organised urban environment, reduce visual clutter, and allow more efficient utilisation of land and public space. In addition, the provincial government has taken an in-principle decision to require underground electricity supply systems in all new housing schemes and future developments across Punjab. This requirement is expected to be incorporated into planning approvals and building by-laws to ensure that modern safety standards are integrated at the design stage of upcoming residential and commercial projects. Officials maintain that underground distribution networks offer greater operational reliability and resilience against weather-related damage and accidental contact, while also enhancing the overall appearance and functionality of urban areas. The performance of the Lahore pilot will be assessed before similar measures are extended to other major cities of the province as part of a wider infrastructure modernisation programme.