Safety precautions.

Factory fires have haunted Pakistan for over a decade, yet factory and plaza owners remain largely negligent when it comes to complying with safety laws. Following the prediction of a record rise in temperatures and frequent heatwaves in the upcoming summer season, the Rawalpindi Civil Defence notified owners of various factories and plazas to replace defunct fire extinguishing systems, damaged electrical wires and faulty switches to avoid loss of life and property. Within the first few months of the year, fires in factories in Lahore, Karachi and Peshawar have been reported.

Last year, Pakistan experienced record temperatures with intense and prolonged heatwaves in many parts of the country. The hot and dry conditions allow fires to spread faster, burn longer and rage more intensely. Therefore, municipal authorities across the country should issue similar warnings to the owners of residential and commercial buildings and factories. The looming threat of heatwaves should not be taken lightly. In the past, survivors of fires have complained of a lack of...