The Capital Development Authority (CDA) on Sunday has intensified its fire safety enforcement campaign in Islamabad, sealing three buildings over non-compliance with fire and life safety requirements.
The action was taken against Shaheed-e-Millat Secretariat, State Life Building and Trade Development Authority of Pakistan Building in Blue Area after the buildings failed to address fire safety observations issued earlier by the CDA’s Fire and Emergency Services Directorate.
CDA Chairman Sohail Ashraf has directed the concerned departments to adopt a zero-tolerance policy towards serious fire safety violations and ensure strict compliance with safety standards, said a press released issued here on Sunday.
He said that the protection of human lives was the CDA’s top priority and no building or institution would be allowed to compromise public safety by ignoring essential fire prevention and emergency response measures.
The CDA’s Fire & Emergency Services Directorate has been conducting inspections of buildings across the capital to identify deficiencies related to firefighting equipment, emergency exits, evacuation arrangements and other life safety measures.
The Building Control Section has also been directed to ensure that identified deficiencies are rectified within the prescribed timeframe.
The CDA said that buildings that fail to comply with mandatory safety requirements would face action under the relevant rules and regulations.
Chairman Sohail Ashraf directed the concerned formations to closely monitor fire safety compliance and ensure that inspection observations are followed by effective corrective measures.
The CDA has also urged government departments, public sector organizations, commercial establishments and private building owners to review their fire safety arrangements and ensure full compliance with prescribed standards.
The Authority said proper firefighting equipment, clear emergency exits and effective evacuation arrangements could help prevent loss of life and property during emergencies.
The CDA maintained that fire safety was a collective responsibility and reiterated that continued non-compliance with essential fire and life safety requirements would not be tolerated.
