ISLAMABAD — The National Highway and Motorway Police (NHMP) on Wednesday declared the possession of operational fire extinguishers mandatory for all vehicles navigating the country’s fast-transit networks. The stricter enforcement focus comes in response to a recent fatal passenger van fire near the capital that claimed ten lives.
Critical Safety Compliance
- Functional fire safety units are now compulsory for all private, cargo, and passenger vehicles.
- Entry to national highways and motorways will be denied to non-compliant vehicles after June 24.
- Motorway teams are running a nationwide awareness campaign leading up to the enforcement deadline.
- Patrolling officers will check expiration dates; empty or expired cylinders will face immediate penalties.
اطلاع عام! pic.twitter.com/MMmAKNUGbw
— National Highways & Motorway Police (NHMP) (@NHMPofficial) June 16, 2026
Strict Enforcement Timelines and Entry Prohibitions
According to an official statement by the NHMP spokesperson, the directive targets public transport and freight carriers as a priority to prevent immediate fire hazards during road accidents. Commuters have been granted a one-week grace period, supported by an ongoing nationwide public awareness campaign, to equip their vehicles appropriately.
NHMP Fire Safety Enforcement Schedule (June 2026)
• June 17 – June 24: Nationwide commuter awareness and advisory phase.
• June 25 onward: Strict legal fines and highway entry bans for violators.
• Core Inspections: Verifying functional valves and cylinder expiration dates.
Beginning June 25, transit authorities will initiate indiscriminate roadside inspections at all major toll plazas and entry points. Vehicles found without an active, unexpired extinguisher will face heavy legal fines and will be turned away from the motorway network until they comply with the new safety regulations.
