CDA issues final notice to PEMRA over fire safety lapses, gives 7-day deadline

The Capital Development Authority’s Capital Emergency Service (CES) has issued a final notice to the Pakistan Electronic Media

ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority’s Capital Emergency Service (CES) has issued a final notice to the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) headquarters in G-8/1, warning that the building could face evacuation, sealing and financial penalties if mandatory fire and life safety requirements are not fulfilled within seven days.

The notice, dated September 4, 2026, and signed by Ammad-ud-Din Muhammad, Additional Director CES-CDA, highlights repeated safety deficiencies identified during inspections of the PEMRA headquarters. The authority has directed the building management to take immediate corrective measures and submit documentary evidence of compliance within the stipulated period.

According to the notice, CDA referred to earlier correspondence and safety checklists issued on November 30, 2013, and January 8, 2016, stating that several deficiencies at the premises remained unresolved. The authority said the building continued to show deviations from the Islamabad Fire Prevention & Life Safety Regulations, 2010, and the Building Code of Pakistan – Fire Safety Provisions, 2016.

CDA has instructed PEMRA management to address all hazards that could pose a threat to human life or property. The authority has also called for the implementation of a comprehensive fire safety plan covering essential systems and emergency arrangements throughout the building.

The required measures include functional fire detection and alarm systems, emergency lighting, clearly marked exit routes and signage, fire extinguishers, hydrants, hose reels and risers. The notice also calls for properly maintained fire pumps, dedicated water storage facilities and sprinkler systems.

In addition, PEMRA has been directed to ensure the availability of fire-resistant doors, proper compartmentalisation, emergency access and measures to control electrical, LPG and other potential fire hazards. The building management has also been asked to conduct staff training, organise regular fire drills and ensure periodic inspection and maintenance of safety equipment.

CDA has made it clear that merely submitting a fire safety plan will not be considered sufficient for compliance. The notice states that the prescribed safety measures must be physically implemented, tested, commissioned and maintained in operational condition before they can be considered compliant.

The authority has provided PEMRA with seven days from the receipt of the notice to complete the required measures and provide documentary proof. The matter has been marked as “highest priority” by the CDA.

CDA has further warned that failure to comply, particularly in circumstances involving imminent or serious danger, could lead to statutory enforcement action against the premises. Possible measures include evacuation, sealing or closure of the building and financial penalties under S.R.O.70 (I)/2011, dated January 12, 2011.

The notice describes the seven-day period as a final opportunity for PEMRA to demonstrate compliance and stresses that the action is being taken in the overriding interest of protecting human life and property.

Copies of the notice have also been forwarded to the Director General CES-CDA, Additional Director A&O and the Personal Secretary to the Member Administration CDA.

The development has raised broader concerns about fire and life safety standards in government and regulatory buildings across the federal capital. With employees, visitors and officials regularly using the PEMRA headquarters, the CDA’s warning places renewed focus on the need for timely implementation of mandatory safety measures and effective emergency preparedness.