Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz orders a 24-hour safety audit of public hospitals after PIMS fire

For context, the chief minister directed hospital authorities and the administration to complete a fresh audit within 24 hours and report their findings as the administration moves to identify and fix fire safety risks.

Key points

• According to instructions issued by the Chief Minister Office, authorities must immediately check fire safety systems, emergency exits and firefighting equipment at public health facilities throughout Punjab.
• Rescue 1122 has additionally been directed to check hydrant points at health facilities and identify locations where further hydrants are needed.
• Maryam has additionally directed health departments and the chief executive officer of the Infrastructure Development Authority Punjab to prepare a feasibility report for modern fire safety systems.
• Deputy commissioners have been ordered to inspect fire extinguishers and other firefighting equipment at hospitals and ensure they are working properly.
• The proposed systems include technology-based fire alarms, smoke detectors and water sprinklers.

وزیر اعلی پنجاب مریم نواز شریف نے انتظامیہ اور ہسپتال انتظامیہ کے لئے 24 گھنٹے میں فریش آڈٹ کی ہدایت کردی ہے اوررپورٹ طلب کرلی ہے pic.twitter.com/Q1SeH5S6wS. Azma Zahid Bokhari (@AzmaBokhariPMLN) August 26, 2026.

Deputy commissioners have been ordered to inspect fire extinguishers and other firefighting equipment at hospitals and ensure they are working properly. They must additionally review emergency exits with Rescue 1122 teams to determine whether they are accessible and suitable for apply during an emergency.

In practice, the administration has ordered hospitals to review the safe operation of air conditioners, electrical wiring and other electro-medical equipment. Health departments must submit compliance reports by Aug. 29, according to the instructions.

In practice, the new measures additionally require deputy commissioners to organize monthly emergency drills at health facilities, the drills are intended to ensure hospitals continue after emergency safety procedures.

Notably, the proposed systems include technology-based fire alarms, smoke detectors and water sprinklers. The administration wants the systems considered for intensive care units, nurseries, emergency departments, district and tehsil headquarters hospitals, and tertiary care hospitals throughout Punjab.

For now, punjab CM Maryam Nawaz orders a 24-hour safety audit of public hospitals remains the part of the story worth watching, and further updates are likely as more details are confirmed.