LHC grants 10 days to federal, Punjab govts for fire safety policy report

LAHORE, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 1st Apr, 2026) The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Wednesday granted the Federal government and the Punjab government 10 more days to submit a report on fire prevention policy in a case concerning recurring fire incidents in buildings and implementation of fire safety measures.

Hearing the petition, Chief Justice Aalia Neelum observed that the court needed to determine whether fire safety rules and regulations had been framed and, if so, why they were not being implemented.

She warned that no excuse would be accepted at the next hearing if replies were not filed, adding that directors general of departments failing to respond would be summoned before the court.

Representatives of multiple departments appeared before the court, including National Disaster Management Authority, Punjab Disaster Management Authority, Environmental Protection Agency, Lahore Development Authority, Walled City of Lahore Authority and Rescue 1122.

SP Investigation Cantt was also present in the courtroom.

The Punjab government was represented by Assistant Advocate General Waqas Umar, while Deputy Attorney General Rafaqat Dogar appeared for the federal government. Azhar Siddique Advocate represented the petitioner.

During proceedings, the court asked about the status of the federal government’s fire safety report. Rafaqat Dogar informed the bench that reports from some departments, including Faisalabad Electric Supply Company and other power distribution companies, had yet to be received.

Expressing displeasure, the chief justice remarked that notices had been issued a week earlier but some institutions were still inactive, adding that departments often claim to have received notices only a day before the hearing.

On requests for more time, the court granted a final 10-day extension and adjourned further hearing until April 14.