CDA seals 3 buildings in Islamabad over fire safety violations

ISLAMABAD – Following the recent fire incident at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), the Capital Development Authority (CDA) has intensified its crackdown on violations of fire and life safety regulations in Islamabad and sealed three major government buildings in Blue Area.

According to the CDA, the Shaheed Millat Secretariat, State Life Building and Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) Building were sealed for failing to comply with fire safety regulations.

Deficiencies found in fire safety arrangements

The CDA’s Directorate of Fire and Emergency Services inspected the fire safety arrangements at all three buildings.

According to officials, the inspections identified inadequate fire prevention measures, obstructions in emergency exits and arrangements that did not meet the prescribed safety requirements.

The CDA said it has adopted a zero-tolerance policy toward violations of fire safety regulations to ensure the protection of human lives.

Protection of human lives is our top priority, CDA Chairman

CDA Chairman Sohail Ashraf said that protecting human lives is the authority’s top priority. He directed the relevant departments not to show any negligence or leniency in serious fire and life safety matters.

The CDA chairman also directed officials to review fire safety arrangements in government and private buildings across Islamabad.

Orders to review fire safety arrangements in all buildings

The CDA’s Building Control Section has been directed to ensure that the identified deficiencies are rectified within the prescribed period.

According to the authority, fire safety arrangements in all government and private buildings across Islamabad will be reviewed immediately. The CDA clarified that emergency exits in buildings must remain open and free of obstructions at all times while proper evacuation arrangements must also be in place.

The authority said that clearly marked emergency exits and an effective evacuation system can help save valuable human lives during emergencies.

Strict action against continued violations

According to the CDA, the concerned buildings will be given an opportunity to rectify the identified fire safety deficiencies. However, continued non-compliance will not be tolerated under any circumstances.

The authority made it clear that there would be no compromise on fire and life safety and action against buildings violating the regulations would continue in accordance with the law.

The crackdown launched after the PIMS tragedy is being viewed as part of the government’s efforts to improve safety standards in public and government buildings across Islamabad.