High-rises sealed, 3 Islamabad hospitals fined over fire safety violations

ISLAMABAD: In the wake of a devastating fire that claimed the lives of 14 newborns at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims), the Capital Development Authority (CDA) has ramped up its enforcement of fire and life safety regulations throughout Islamabad. The CDA has sealed multiple high-rise buildings, partially sealed two hotels in Blue Area, and imposed fines on three hospitals for their non-compliance with fire safety requirements.

Notable among the fined institutions are Pims, Polyclinic, and the Capital Hospital, each facing a fine of Rs500,000 for their failure to adhere to fire and life safety standards. The CDA has also sealed the Shaheed-i-Millat Building, State Life Building, Trade Development Authority of Pakistan Building, and Beverly Centre in Blue Area as part of the enforcement operation. Additionally, teams are currently inspecting the National Insurance Company Limited building before finalizing this report.

This stern action comes in the aftermath of the tragic incident at Pims, where 14 newborn babies perished due to the fire. The CDA spokesman revealed that the agency has intensified its inspections across Islamabad, emphasizing that safeguarding human lives is their utmost priority. The official added that the high-rise apartment building owned by a politician in F-11 would be sealed due to non-compliance with regulations, despite previous notices issued.

The CDA chairman, Sohail Ashraf, directed the relevant formations within the CDA to adopt a zero-tolerance approach towards serious fire safety violations while ensuring strict compliance with safety standards. He stressed that no building, institution, or organization should compromise people's lives and safety by neglecting essential fire prevention and emergency response requirements.

The CDA's Fire & Emergency Services Directorate has been conducting inspections to identify deficiencies in fire prevention, emergency exits, firefighting arrangements, evacuation preparedness, and other critical life safety measures. The Building Control Section of the CDA urged these institutions to rectify identified deficiencies within the stipulated time frame.

The CDA chairman also emphasized that fire safety is a collective responsibility, urging timely installation and maintenance of firefighting equipment, clear emergency exits, proper evacuation arrangements, and strict adherence to safety protocols.