Three buildings sealed over fire hazard

The Capital Development Authority (CDA) intensified enforcement of fire and life-safety regulations in the federal capital following the recent fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims), sealing three buildings for failing to comply with fire-safety directives on Sunday.

The Shaheed-e-Millat Secretariat, State Life Building and Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP)'s building were sealed for committing fire-safety violations.

Meanwhile, the CDA Hospital and Polyclinic Hospital had each been fined Rs500,000 for violating fire-safety regulations and failing to rectify identified deficiencies despite being served multiple notices.

The CDA's Directorate of Fire and Emergency Services has stepped up inspections of government, private and commercial buildings across Islamabad to ensure compliance with fire-safety regulations.

During the inspections, officials are conducting detailed assessments of firefighting systems, fire detection and alarm systems, emergency lighting, exit signage, emergency exits and evacuation arrangements.

According to sources, the fire and life-safety arrangements at the Shaheed-e-Millat Secretariat were found to be below the required standards during an inspection. The building also had an inadequate number of fire extinguishers, while arrangements for emergency exits and evacuation routes were found to be non-compliant with the relevant regulations.

The sources added the administration of the Shaheed-e-Millat Secretariat had previously been issued several notices concerning fire safety. However, the building was sealed after the required corrective measures were not implemented.

Similarly, action was taken against the State Life Building and TDAP Building, which were also sealed for failing to comply with fire-safety directives.

CDA officials said the primary purpose of sealing the buildings was to protect human lives and ensure effective compliance with fire-safety regulations.

Meanwhile, after inspecting fire and life-safety arrangements at the CDA Hospital and Polyclinic Hospital, the CDA Fire Service issued challans of Rs500,000 each to their administrations.

Officials said the hospitals had failed to rectify fire-safety deficiencies despite being served multiple notices.

During the inspections, deficiencies were identified in the fire detection and alarm systems, firefighting systems, emergency lighting, exit signage and emergency evacuation routes at both Polyclinic and CDA hospitals.

The CDA Fire Service directed the relevant administrations to immediately rectify all deficiencies, complete the required corrective measures and submit compliance reports.

Polyclinic Hospital was specifically directed to complete all corrective measures relating to fire safety, after which the facility would be reinspected.

The relevant administrations have also been instructed to pay the fines within seven days and submit proof of payment. They were warned that continued non-compliance with fire-safety regulations could result in further legal action.

According to CDA officials, the recent fire at Pims has further highlighted the importance of adequate fire and life-safety arrangements in government and private buildings, particularly hospitals.