A preliminary fire safety report prepared after the deadly blaze at Gul Plaza in Karachi has revealed alarming risks in Lahore, where 682 plazas, markets and shopping malls have been placed in category D, while 13 buildings have been declared completely unsafe. The findings suggest that commercial structures in the provincial capital are highly vulnerable to fire, 24NewsHD reported on Wednesday.
The report, compiled by the Punjab Emergency and Rescue Department, states that 2,214 buildings were inspected across Punjab. Of these, 1,722 were placed in category D.
Buildings lacking basic safety features such as fire alarms, sprinkler systems and emergency exits are classified under category D.
According to the report, only 65 buildings in the province meet category A standards, while 129 fall in category B and 284 in category C.
On Tuesday, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz directed that fire safety systems be installed in all buildings.
Following the survey, notices have been issued to owners of category D structures, instructing them to install fire safety measures without delay. They have also been warned that fines and legal action will follow if they fail to comply, as the authorities stressed that there can be no compromise when it comes to protecting human lives.