Islamabad (Staff Reporter) In light of a decision issued by the Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) has clarified that ensuring the protection of precious human lives is its top priority while further enhancing the effectiveness of fire and life safety standards across Islamabad.
The CDA has taken significant action by sealing the Shaheed-e-Millat Secretariat, the State Life Building, and the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) building in Blue Area, Islamabad. These buildings had failed to comply with previously issued fire safety observations and directives from the CDA’s Fire and Emergency Services Directorate despite the expiration of the stipulated period. This action reflects the CDA’s commitment to ensuring a safe environment for its employees, citizens, visitors to buildings, and the general public, in accordance with established safety requirements and relevant regulations.
CDA Chairman Sohail Ashraf has directed the relevant departments to adopt a zero-tolerance policy against serious violations of fire safety and to ensure strict compliance with the prescribed safety standards in all buildings. He made it clear that no building, institution, or organization would be allowed to endanger human lives and safety by neglecting essential fire prevention and emergency response arrangements.
The CDA’s Fire and Emergency Services Directorate continues to conduct inspections of various buildings to identify existing deficiencies regarding fire prevention and life safety. During these inspections, arrangements for fire prevention, emergency exits, firefighting equipment, emergency evacuation preparedness, and other necessary life safety measures are being reviewed.
The Building Control Section of the CDA has also been instructed to ensure effective measures to rectify the deficiencies identified during inspections within the specified timeframe.
The sealing of buildings is clear evidence that the CDA’s fire safety campaign is not limited to inspections but is a practical and effective enforcement initiative aimed at preventing the loss of precious human lives and potential damage to property. Action will be taken against buildings that fail to comply with mandatory safety requirements under existing laws and regulations.
CDA Chairman Sohail Ashraf has further directed the relevant departments to continuously monitor compliance with fire safety requirements and to address deficiencies identified during inspections through effective corrective measures. The aim of this initiative is to promote a strong culture of safety measures, emergency preparedness, responsibility, and caution throughout Islamabad.
The CDA has urged all government departments, public sector organizations, commercial centers, and owners and management of private buildings to promptly review their fire safety arrangements and ensure full compliance with the prescribed safety standards.
The CDA Chairman reiterated that fire safety is a collective responsibility. Timely installation and regular maintenance of firefighting equipment, availability of clear and accessible emergency routes, effective evacuation arrangements, and adherence to safety protocols can play a crucial role in protecting precious human lives during emergencies.
This ongoing campaign regarding fire safety is part of the CDA’s broader efforts aimed at making Islamabad a safe, peaceful, modern, and well-administered federal capital, where public safety, quality infrastructure, and effective governance are of paramount importance.
The CDA has clarified that building administrations will be provided with a specified time and necessary guidance to address fire safety deficiencies; however, continuous non-compliance with fundamental fire and life safety requirements will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
*”Protecting precious human lives is our foremost responsibility. There will be no compromise on fire and life safety matters.”*