Peshawar Division

Peshawar | ReNews Pakistan Government safety audits conducted by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Building Control Authority and the KP Fire Services Department have revealed widespread non compliance with building safety regulations across Peshawar and other major urban centres in the province. According to official assessments carried out over recent weeks, as many as 94 percent of inspected multi storey buildings, plazas, and commercial structures were found to lack essential fire safety and emergency protection measures. These included the absence or malfunctioning of fire alarms, smoke detectors, fire hydrants, emergency exits, and documented evacuation plans. Officials from the Building Control Authority described the findings as deeply alarming, noting that many buildings had been constructed or occupied without meeting mandatory safety requirements under provincial building regulations. In several cases, systems intended to detect or suppress fires, support evacuation, or provide safe emergency access were either missing altogether, poorly maintained, or installed below minimum standards. Inspectors also identified additional deficiencies, including the lack of visible safety signage, inaccessible or obstructed stairwells, and the absence of routine inspection and maintenance records. In response to the audit results, the KP Fire Services Department has been instructed to intensify inspections of high risk properties, including educational institutions, shopping centres, high rise residential buildings, office towers, and other public access facilities. Fire Services officials said notices would be issued to owners and managers requiring immediate corrective measures, including the installation of fire detection systems, proper maintenance of firefighting equipment, and the provision of clear and unobstructed emergency exits. The provincial government has further directed that legal action be taken against property owners and developers who fail to comply within prescribed timelines. Show cause notices will be issued under existing building control and fire safety laws, with penalties ranging from fines to closure orders and other enforcement measures in cases of continued non compliance. Authorities stressed that fire safety and emergency preparedness are preventive obligations designed to protect human life and reduce property damage during incidents such as fires, earthquakes, or other emergencies. Officials said the findings point to a broader pattern in which rapid urban development has outpaced effective enforcement of safety standards. The KP Fire Services Department noted that many building owners and occupants were either unaware of mandatory compliance requirements or had delayed safety upgrades due to cost considerations. In response, the provincial administration has called for targeted awareness campaigns to inform owners, tenants, and residents of their legal responsibilities and the critical importance of functional safety systems. Follow up inspections have been scheduled, and deadlines have been set for required improvements. Property owners have been advised to engage qualified engineers and safety professionals to conduct comprehensive audits and bring buildings into compliance with provincial codes. Provincial authorities reiterated that enforcement of building safety regulations remains a priority and warned that continued negligence would invite strict penalties under the law. The government said monitoring would continue across Peshawar and other urban centres to safeguard public safety and strengthen regulatory oversight.

Peshawar | ReNews Pakistan A land recovery operation was carried out in the Tangi area of Charsadda District, resulting in 190 kanals and 2 marlas of land being cleared from unauthorized occupation and restored to government ownership. The estimated value of the recovered land is Rs 21 crore. The operation was conducted under the supervision of Assistant Commissioner Tangi, Waqas Rehman, with overall district oversight by Deputy Commissioner Charsadda, Dr. Azmatullah. According to records, the recovered land was government-owned and had been used without legal allotment or approval for an extended period. Verification of land records and boundary checks were carried out before the repossession to ensure accuracy. During the operation, land boundaries were clearly demarcated, physical possession was restored, and the recovered plots were updated in official government records. Measures were taken to secure the land against re-encroachment. The operation reflects the district administration’s enforcement of land records and regulation of land use, addressing discrepancies between documented ownership and on-ground possession.

Peshawar: [ReNews Pakistan] Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Muhammad Sohail Afridi has issued clear directives for the recovery of official residences and government vehicles found under unauthorized use across the province. The instructions were issued after reports indicated that several government assets remained occupied by individuals no longer entitled to their use. According to official communication circulated to all provincial departments, government residences and vehicles allotted to officers who have retired or have been transferred to other provinces are to be vacated immediately. Departments have been instructed to ensure compliance without delay and submit reports on implementation. The directives further state that cases involving employees in possession of more than one government residence must be reviewed. In such instances, excess accommodations are to be vacated and recovered in accordance with existing rules and allotment policies. The provincial government has emphasized that unauthorized occupation of public assets is not permissible under any circumstances. All departments have been directed to take firm administrative action to eliminate illegal possession and ensure that government property is used strictly for official purposes. The instructions apply uniformly across departments, aiming to streamline asset management and improve availability of government housing and vehicles for serving officers. Officials indicate that enforcement will be monitored, and responsibility will rest with relevant administrative heads to ensure recovery measures are carried out effectively. The move reflects an effort to regulate the use of public resources and reinforce adherence to government allotment rules within the provincial administrative system.