- Rescue 1122 contains blaze at Indigo Hotel, prevents heavy loss of life
- CM Maryam Nawaz monitors operation via Safe City drone system, says 280 people, including 180 guests and 100 staff, rescued safely
- Punjab orders strict compliance with safety SOPs after Karachi inferno
LAHORE: At least three people were killed in a fire that broke out at a hotel in Lahore’s Gulberg area, while a swift and coordinated response by Rescue 1122 firefighters prevented what officials said could have been a far greater loss of life.
Punjab Rescue 1122 spokesperson Farooq Ahmed confirmed that three people lost their lives in the blaze at the Indigo Hotel. The victims were identified as Shehreyar, aged about 25, Imran, about 30, and Riaz, also about 30.
The incident comes at a time when Karachi is still reeling from a deadly fire at the popular Gul Plaza, which has so far claimed 71 lives, with dozens of people still missing.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz shared multiple updates regarding the incident on social media platform X, stating that the fire erupted in the hotel’s basement. She said a total of 280 people — including 180 guests and 100 staff members — were safely rescued.
Shabash Rescue 1122, Shabash Dr. Rizwan, DG Emergency Services 👏🏻 pic.twitter.com/uwCptbteDM
— Maryam Nawaz Sharif (@MaryamNSharif) January 24, 2026
Upon receiving information about the fire, CM Maryam Nawaz immediately mobilised the provincial administration. Acting on her directives, Provincial Minister Faisal Khokhar, the Chief Secretary, Director General LDA and Deputy Commissioner Lahore rushed to the site to supervise the rescue and evacuation operation.
Commending the performance of rescue teams, the chief minister said the saving of human lives was not incidental but the outcome of the government’s Safe Punjab vision and an effective emergency response system. She termed the operation a major success for the provincial government and rescue services, reiterating that the protection of human life remained her top priority.
Alhamdolillah, a major tragedy was averted today at Indigo Tower, Gulberg. Upon receiving reports of a fire in the basement, the Emergency Response Team was immediately mobilised. Minister Energy Faisal Khokhar, Commissioner, DC and all concerned officials are present on site to… pic.twitter.com/RUvneoxalR
— Maryam Nawaz Sharif (@MaryamNSharif) January 24, 2026
Earlier, CM Maryam Nawaz said she was personally monitoring the evacuation and rescue efforts through the Safe City drone system. She also stated that the incident was caused by the “explosion of the air-conditioning system boiler,” describing it as “severe.”
“Strict directives have been issued: all commercial boiler and cylinder installations across Punjab must fully comply with safety standards. Any premises found compromising public safety will be sealed immediately, without exception,” she said.
I am monitoring the entire evacuation and rescue operation through our Safe City drone system. The drone team has been a big help in assisting the teams by using latest technology. Bravo ! pic.twitter.com/ROjy69huUS
— Maryam Nawaz Sharif (@MaryamNSharif) January 24, 2026
The chief minister directed that the rescue operation continue until every individual was brought to safety, stressing that no effort should be spared until the mission was fully completed. Rescue 1122 teams are currently conducting a comprehensive inspection of the building to ensure complete safety.
On Thursday, the Punjab government granted stakeholders two weeks to implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) in plazas, schools and hospitals in the wake of the Gul Plaza inferno.
“A building grading system has now been introduced across the province, under which safe buildings will be categorised as A-grade, while others will be graded according to their condition. The firefighting sector is being upgraded with modern technology, drones and state-of-the-art equipment,” Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari told a press conference in Lahore.
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