CDA issues fire safety compliance notice to Islamabad Marriott Hotel

The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has served a formal fire safety compliance notice on the Islamabad Marriott Hotel

ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has served a formal fire safety compliance notice on the Islamabad Marriott Hotel after an inspection found several shortcomings in the facility’s fire prevention, emergency response and life safety arrangements.

The notice was issued on September 2, 2026, by the CDA’s Directorate of Emergency & Disaster Management. The authority has directed the hotel administration to address the identified deficiencies immediately and ensure that all mandatory fire safety requirements are fulfilled under the Islamabad Fire Prevention & Life Safety Regulations 2010, notified through SRO-70(1)/2011.

The compliance notice was issued in the name of the building’s owner, Hassan Hashwani. According to the CDA, the hotel management is required to fully implement the approved Fire Safety Plan and ensure that all fire protection and emergency equipment is properly installed, functional and regularly maintained in accordance with the applicable regulations.

The inspection identified deficiencies in several important fire prevention and emergency safety systems. These included fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, water sprinklers, drenchers, hydrants, automatic sprinkler installations, fire alarm systems and smoke detection equipment.

The CDA inspection also pointed to concerns involving water storage tanks and the operational condition of fire hydrants. In addition, officials highlighted shortcomings related to emergency exits, emergency hall lighting, ladder access and the hotel’s intercom system.

Electrical wiring was also listed among the areas requiring corrective measures, highlighting the need for the hotel administration to ensure that both fire safety and related electrical risks are properly addressed.

The authority has instructed the management to complete all requirements under the approved Fire Safety Plan and bring the identified systems and equipment into full working order at the earliest. Once the necessary measures have been completed, the hotel will have to submit a compliance report to the Director or Additional Director of Emergency & Disaster Management.

Following submission of the report, CDA officials will conduct another inspection to determine whether the deficiencies identified during the initial assessment have been satisfactorily rectified.

The authority has warned the hotel management that failure to comply with its directions could lead to enforcement proceedings and other legal consequences. Under the notice, Section 5 of the Building Ordinance may be invoked in cases of continued non-compliance, which could potentially result in the sealing of the building.

The CDA has also stated that a challan may be issued along with a fine of Rs. 3,000. Further action under Section 9 may also be initiated where violations of the relevant fire safety regulations are established.

The notice was received on behalf of the hotel management by Muhammad Bilal Qumi, A. Chief Engineer.

The Islamabad Marriott Hotel is one of the capital’s major five-star hospitality establishments and frequently hosts large numbers of guests, conference participants and visitors.

The CDA has been conducting fire safety inspections and audits of commercial, public and other major buildings across Islamabad to strengthen compliance with established safety standards.

The latest action reflects the authority’s continued emphasis on ensuring that high-occupancy buildings maintain effective fire prevention, emergency evacuation and life safety systems. The hotel management must now rectify the reported deficiencies and undergo a follow-up inspection before the CDA can issue the required Compliance Certificate.