Most of Rawalpindi’s High-Rise Buildings Lack Fire Safety
A concerning picture has emerged regarding fire safety standards in Rawalpindi, as official assessments reveal that the vast majority of the city’s high-rise buildings do not meet basic fire safety requirements. According to the Punjab Community Safety Building Regulations, Rawalpindi has a total of 163 high-rise buildings, yet only one commercial building has been declared fully compliant with mandatory fire safety standards.
Rescue officials confirmed that all 163 high-rise structures in the city have now been formally classified based on their safety preparedness. The findings show a serious gap between regulatory requirements and on-ground implementation, raising alarms about the potential risks faced by residents, workers, and visitors in these buildings.
Out of the entire list, only one hotel building has been placed in Category A, meaning it has a fully functional automatic fire safety system installed and operational. This includes features such as fire alarms, smoke detectors, sprinkler systems, and emergency response mechanisms that meet regulatory benchmarks. The remaining buildings fall into lower safety categories, indicating partial compliance or, in many cases, a complete absence of required systems.
Rescue sources highlighted that many high-rise buildings either lack automatic fire detection systems altogether or have installed equipment that is outdated, non-functional, or poorly maintained. In several cases, emergency exits are either blocked or not clearly marked, while fire extinguishers are missing or expired. Such shortcomings significantly increase the risk of casualties in the event of a fire, especially in densely populated commercial and residential towers.
The issue has also exposed weaknesses in enforcement. While safety regulations clearly outline the requirements for high-rise structures, implementation and regular inspections remain inconsistent. Experts warn that without strict monitoring and penalties, building owners often delay or avoid investing in costly fire safety upgrades.
Urban planners and safety professionals have repeatedly stressed that fire incidents in high-rise buildings can escalate rapidly due to vertical design, limited evacuation routes, and delayed emergency response. In cities like Rawalpindi, where many buildings house offices, apartments, hotels, and shopping areas, the consequences of inadequate safety measures could be severe.
Rescue authorities have urged relevant departments to take immediate action, including issuing notices to non-compliant buildings and ensuring mandatory upgrades within defined timelines. They also emphasized the need for regular fire drills, staff training, and public awareness to minimize risks.
As Rawalpindi continues to expand vertically due to urbanization and space constraints, the lack of fire safety compliance in high-rise buildings presents a growing public safety challenge. Addressing these gaps will require coordinated efforts between regulatory bodies, local administration, and building owners to ensure that safety standards are not merely documented on paper but effectively enforced on the ground.
