Islamabad: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has sealed eight buildings in Islamabad for failing to comply with mandatory fire and life safety requirements, broadening an enforcement drive launched after a fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) that killed 14 newborns.
The crackdown saw three government buildings in Blue Area - the Shaheed e Millat Building, the State Life Building and the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) Building - sealed after they failed to address safety observations regarding fire raised during earlier inspections.
The CDA later expanded the action to five additional properties: Beverly Centre, the National Insurance Company (NIC) Building, Crown Plaza, Khudadad Heights Plaza and Envoy Continental Hotel. According to the authority, the buildings had been given time to rectify deficiencies identified by its Fire and Emergency Services Directorate but failed to implement the required measures.
The inspections are examining firefighting equipment, fire detection systems, emergency exits, evacuation arrangements and other measures required under fire and life safety regulations. CDA chairman Sohail Ashraf has directed officials to adopt a zero tolerance approach to serious violations and ensure compliance across government and private buildings.
The operation follows the August 26 fire at a nursery in PIMS, in which 14 newborns died. An investigation subsequently found that the nursery lacked adequate fire alarms and sprinkler systems and that emergency preparedness and response procedures were deficient. The federal government suspended eight officials following the inquiry.
The CDA has also taken action against three major public hospitals. PIMS, Polyclinic, and the CDA's Capital Hospital were each fined Rs500,000 for failing to comply with fire and life safety requirements, bringing total penalties against the three facilities to Rs1.5 million.
The federal government has separately approved installing modern fire sprinkler and alarm systems in government buildings where adequate protection is not available.
The CDA has directed building owners and administrations to rectify identified deficiencies and comply with prescribed fire and life safety standards.
