ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s National Highways and Motorway Police (NHMP) said on Sunday it would begin enforcing fire extinguisher requirements for passenger and cargo vehicles from June 24, while extending a public awareness campaign for private vehicles by another 60 days.
The move is part of a nationwide road safety campaign aimed at ensuring vehicles are equipped with functioning fire extinguishers that can be used in emergencies to protect lives and property.
The NHMP said enforcement action would begin this week for passenger-carrying and cargo vehicles operating without the required equipment, while owners of cars, sport utility vehicles (SUVs), jeeps, light transport vehicles (LTVs) and heavy transport vehicles (HTVs) would be given additional time to comply.
“The National Highways and Motorway Police want to inform all vehicle owners that they should ensure the presence of effective and functioning fire extinguishing equipment in their vehicles,” an NHMP spokesperson said in a statement.
“So that in any untoward situation, it can prove helpful in saving one’s own life, the lives of others and preventing financial loss.”
According to the NHMP, passenger and cargo vehicles found operating without fire extinguishers after June 24 will face legal action under applicable regulations.
In separate public notices issued as part of the campaign, the motorway police said awareness efforts for cars, SUVs, jeeps, LTVs and HTVs had been extended by 60 days to allow motorists additional time to equip their vehicles with fire extinguishers.
The notices urged drivers and vehicle owners to ensure that fire extinguishers carried in vehicles are functional and meet required safety standards.
The NHMP said the initiative forms part of broader efforts to improve road safety and emergency preparedness on Pakistan’s national highways and motorways, where vehicle fires can pose serious risks to passengers, cargo and other road users.
