Punjab Province

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
Ahead of the upcoming Basant festivities, the Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA) has identified 346 buildings as structurally dangerous following a comprehensive survey of dilapidated and high-risk properties within the historic Walled City. The findings were submitted to the Lahore High Court (LHC) in response to petitions challenging permission for Basant celebrations in the densely populated heritage district.
According to the authority, 183 structures have been classified as irreparable while 163 buildings are considered repairable, highlighting widespread deterioration across aging residential and mixed-use properties. Officials said many of these buildings pose significant risks due to weak foundations, compromised rooftops, and prolonged neglect, raising safety concerns in an area characterised by narrow streets and high footfall.
The report notes that 92 extremely dangerous buildings have been evacuated so far; however, 254 unsafe structures remain occupied, complicating enforcement and rehabilitation efforts. Among the occupied buildings, 103 have been declared beyond repair and 151 require structural restoration. Of the evacuated properties, 80 have been marked fit for demolition while 12 are considered suitable for repair.
The WCLA has warned that rooftops of unsafe buildings are not suitable for Basant-related activities and has initiated measures to restrict their use to prevent accidents. Warning notices and awareness banners are being installed across the locality, while the district administration has been requested to seal hazardous rooftops and building portions and deploy police to ensure public safety. Authorities say the exercise forms part of broader efforts to improve structural safety, protect heritage assets, and manage risk in one of Lahore’s most congested urban cores.

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.