Vehicles without fire extinguishers barred from motorways after June 24

The National Highway and Motorway Police has made it mandatory for all vehicles, especially passenger and cargo vehicles, to carry a working fire extinguisher as part of stricter fire safety measures.

An NHMP spokesperson said the requirement was being introduced to reduce fire risks during accidents. Drivers have been instructed to ensure that fire extinguishers in their vehicles are active and not expired.

The spokesperson said vehicles without a working fire extinguisher would face strict legal action after June 24. Cargo and public service vehicles without fire extinguishers will not be allowed to enter motorways and national highways.

The National Highway and Motorway Police is also running a nationwide fire safety awareness campaign until June 24 to inform drivers and transport operators about the new requirement.

The spokesperson said expired or non-functional fire extinguishers would not be accepted.

The decision comes a week after at least 10 people were killed and 13 others injured when a van caught fire after falling into a nullah while taking a turn on the Islamabad-Murree Expressway near Khajut.