Web desk: Civil Defence authorities in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province have moved to tighten fire safety enforcement by proposing a steep increase in penalties and wider inspection powers.
According to official correspondence, the Director of Civil Defence has written to the provincial Secretary for Relief, seeking approval to conduct a comprehensive survey of government buildings across the province.
In the letter, the Civil Defence director proposed raising the fine for failing to install firefighting equipment from 5,000 rupees to 500,000 rupees. The move aims to deter widespread non-compliance and address growing safety concerns in both public and private structures.
Officials said the proposal reflects the need for stronger enforcement mechanisms as many buildings currently operate without basic fire safety arrangements.
Meanwhile, the letter also recommended granting district administrations the authority to take action against violators. Civil Defence officials argued that decentralising enforcement would allow faster and more effective responses to safety breaches.
At present, limited jurisdiction has slowed action against non-compliant buildings, the letter noted.
Additionally, the Civil Defence director requested legal authority for Civil Defence officers to inspect both government and private buildings. According to the letter, existing legal gaps hinder immediate action against violations, despite repeated safety lapses.
As a result, officials believe empowering inspectors would streamline enforcement and reduce procedural delays.
Provincial authorities have yet to announce a decision on the proposals. However, the recommendations signal a broader push to strengthen fire safety regulations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa following repeated warnings from safety officials.
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