PM secretariat fire safety drill exposes critical flaws: low siren, gate failure raise questions on CDA preparedness

A *mock fire and rescue drill* conducted at the *Prime Minister's Secretariat* has exposed serious safety shortcomings, with *sources telling

ISLAMABAD:A *mock fire and rescue drill* conducted at the *Prime Minister’s Secretariat* has exposed serious safety shortcomings, with *sources telling _Minute Mirror*_ that the emergency siren was too low and the main gate could not be opened during a power cut.

The drill comes in the wake of the *PIMS Hospital fire incident*, which put the *Pakistan’s highest office on high alert* over emergency preparedness in federal buil

According to *sources familiar with the exercise*, the *CDA’s Capital Emergency Services (CES)* assessed the fire and rescue response at the PM Secretariat.

– *G-5 fire tender* reached the scene *4 minutes* after receiving the fire call.

– *Rescue van and Bronto Sky Lift* arrived at the scene in *9 minutes*.

– *Fire alarm/siren sound was found to be extremely low* during the drill, raising concerns about evacuation in an actual emergency.

– *Electrical gate of the PM Secretariat could not be opened after a power cut*, potentially blocking emergency vehicles and evacuation.

*Sources* said a *recommendation has been issued to provide a manual or alternative system* for opening the gate during emergencies.

*According to CDA officials*, the *overall response of CES fire and rescue was timely and satisfactory*.

However, *sources* said a *recommendation has been issued to immediately address the safety shortcomings* identified during the exercise.

The drill was conducted amid *heightened sensitivity at the Prime Minister’s Office* following the recent *PIMS Hospital fire*, where emergency response and evacuation protocols came under national scrutiny.

After that incident, the *PM had directed all federal institutions to review fire safety and emergency procedures*. The PM Secretariat, being the seat of the federal government, was prioritized for the mock exercise.

*Security and emergency experts told _Minute Mirror*_ that gaps in alarm systems and gate operations at the highest office could have “serious consequences” in a real crisis.

> _“A low siren and a gate that won’t open during power failure are basic failures. These must be fixed on priority,”_ a *senior official* said.

*Sources* said the CDA has been asked to *submit a compliance report* on the recommendations within days, including installation of *louder alarm systems and manual override for gates*.

The Prime Minister’s Office has directed that *regular drills be conducted* across all federal ministries to ensure readiness.