Islamabad: Following a fatal fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) that killed 14 newborn babies in late August 2026, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) launched a citywide safety crackdown. The inspections targeted 48 public and private healthcare facilities across Islamabad, penalising them for failing to comply with fundamental fire and life safety standards. Financial penalties levied by the civic agency ranged from Rs 50,000 to Rs 500,000 based on the severity of the structural and operational hazards found.
The maximum penalty of Rs 500,000 was imposed on the capital's top public hospitals, including PIMS, Federal Government Polyclinic Hospital, and the CDA's own Capital Hospital. Major private and teaching institutions were hit with identical maximum fines, including Maroof International Hospital, Nori Hospital, Riphah International Medical College, Owais Homeopathic Teaching Hospital, Akbar Niazi Teaching Hospital, Advance International Hospital, River Garden Hospital, and Islamabad International Hospital.
Inspectors from the CDA’s Fire and Emergency Services Directorate reported systemic safety lapses across both public and private sectors. Key deficiencies included broken smoke detectors and alarm systems, missing or unserviced fire extinguishers, depressurised fire hose reels, and emergency exits that were locked or blocked by furniture and equipment. Officials also highlighted a critical lack of evacuation protocols and equipment necessary to move non ambulatory and critically ill patients during emergencies.
Civic authorities noted that many of these institutions had previously received warnings to upgrade their safety infrastructure. Because the facilities failed to address these hazards within the prescribed timeframe, immediate fines were issued. The CDA has warned that continued non compliance will lead to stricter legal actions, including the partial or complete sealing of defaulting medical premises.
