There is one thing you should put on your checklist before embarking on a summer road trip or long drive on the motorway. A fire extinguisher is not an option but now considered compulsory for driving on motorways.
On June 17, 2026, the National Highway and Motorway Police (NHMP) officially issued Standards for all national highway roads and motorways, saying that the proper functioning of fire extinguishers in all vehicles has become compulsory. The enforcement will start on June 25, one day after the NHMP’s nationwide awareness campaign on June 24. By then, your car will not have one, and strict legislation will be enforced, and, for public buses and cargo trucks, a total ban from motorways and highways.
How did this rule get introduced?
This was not a random occurrence. The announcement came days after a van was involved in an accident on the Islamabad-Murree Expressway, leading to the death of 10 and the injury of 13 people. The incident was a tragedy that raised serious doubts about the readiness of Pakistani drivers to handle vehicle fires on high-speed highways that can take time to reach.
The NHMP has made its motives abundantly clear that a fire extinguisher works best to quench a small fire before it can spread and become more serious. It also allows passengers to escape and helps personnel to reach the scene.
Who Does This Rule Apply To?
Here’s where it’s a must to read the rule.
After June 24, any cargo or public service vehicle without a fire extinguisher will not be permitted to use motorways and national highways.
Private car owners are also warned to prepare well, with sizeability sweeps taking place around the country’s main motorways and national highways.
In short, compulsory implementation for PSVs and cargo vehicles, strongly encouraged for private cars with active sweeps in place. No driver would want to take this for granted.
How is a Fire Extinguisher considered valid?
Only working, charged, and current fire extinguishers will be accepted under the new safety standard.
Here are some practical guidelines for what to expect:
| What to Check | What You Need |
| Pressure Gauge | Must be in the green zone, indicating it is charged |
| Expiry Date | Must be within its valid period, check the label |
| Size | A 1kg or 2kg ABC dry powder extinguisher is standard for cars |
| Mounting | Should be secured with a bracket, not rolling loose in the boot |
| Type | ABC-rated extinguisher covers electrical, fuel, and general fires |
What if you don’t comply?
Law enforcement will be extremely tough on anyone who doesn’t have a working extinguisher after June 24. Cargo and public service vehicles will not be allowed to enter the site of the motorways and national highways without a fire extinguisher.
Private car owners may be halted while the cars are being checked and may be required to produce their extinguishers. Entrypoint compliance following the announcement will be monitored, but the NHMP is conducting a wider-ranging awareness check on major motorways.
Do Not Wait Until June 24
It’s no secret that at the very last minute, to get one, as the local stocks are going to be at a low level, prices may increase significantly.
There are plenty of car fire extinguishers available in every auto store, hardware store, and on the internet in Pakistan. The cost of a standard 1kg ABC dry powder extinguisher for a private car is approximately Rs. 1,500 and Rs. 3,500 (depending on brand and size). If a larger vehicle or public transport is involved, larger units are needed and more expensive; however, the cost of doing so is far less than the fines and entry bans that could follow for non-compliance.
A Step in the Right Direction
Since the last decade, Pakistan’s motorway system has grown so much that millions of people are travelling on the M-1, M-2, M-3, M-4, and other motorways frequently. However, the commonplace duties of emergency readiness within the vehicle have always been an afterthought. No fire extinguisher. No first aid kit. No reflective triangle. All he had was a car and a prayer.
That changes that, at least in one regard. And while it has come in the wake of tragedy, it is still a commendable step. The introduction of vehicle fire extinguishers in Pakistan comes before most countries in Europe as well as some in Southeast Asia. This is a development that Pakistan is now doing and it is good.
Conclusion
Since 25th June 2026, it is mandatory to carry a fire extinguisher while driving on Motorways and National Highways in Pakistan. Vehicles without one will not be allowed on any motorways other than public and cargo vehicles. That will be met by legal action and active safety sweeps for private car owners. Before the deadline, the right thing to do is to order a suitable, charged, properly mounted extinguisher, not the day of the deadline. It’s a minor price to pay for something that might literally save lives, your own included.
