CDA conducts fire safety drill at Parliament House

Simulates a fire emergency to check institutional preparedness and liaison between relevant authorities

The Capital Development Authority (CDA) on Friday conducted a special fire safety mock drill at the Parliament House in Islamabad to assess and strengthen emergency preparedness in case of fire or any other emergency.

As part of the exercise, a fire emergency situation was orchestrated inside the Parliament House to assess the evacuation procedure, emergency response, flow of communication between relevant authorities, rescue operation and other essential safety measures.

Officers and officials of the Parliament House actively participated in the drill and extended full cooperation to the CDA staff.

The exercise also provided an opportunity to review existing emergency arrangements and identify areas for further improvement.

Officials said such drills are aimed at enhancing institutional preparedness, strengthening safety systems and ensuring the protection of human lives while minimising potential losses during emergencies.

Read: Three buildings sealed over fire hazard

On August 26, 14 newborns were killed after a fire broke out on the third floor of the Mother and Child unit at PIMS hospital in Islamabad, triggering widespread outrage and demands from people and political parties for action against those responsible.

The tragedy prompted immediate action from the federal government, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif forming a five-member inquiry committee headed by former interior secretary Shahid Khan to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fire and determine whether negligence or failure of duty contributed to the deaths.

Four days later, on August 31, CDA sealed three buildings for failing to comply with fire-safety directives in the federal capital. The Shaheed-e-Millat Secretariat, State Life Building and Trade Development Authority of Pakistan building were sealed for committing fire-safety violations.

Separtely, the CDA Hospital and Polyclinic Hospital was each fined Rs500,000 for flouting 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 to avoid any untoward event.