Fire safety survey of 6,500 govt, private offices, buildings completed
The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has completed the survey regarding Fire Safety & Hazard Control in the Federal Capital directing some 6,500 buildings to provide details of emergency measures in case of fire break-out or any other emergency. During the survey, it has been observed that most buildings had not obtained approval for their Fire Safety Plans, and the Completion/Fire Safety Certificates for these buildings had also not been issued. During the survey, 300 government buildings were also inspected.
These details were shared during a meeting chaired by Chairman Capital Development Authority (CDA) and Chief Commissioner Muhammad Ali Randhawa. The meeting was attended by CDA Board Member Admin Talat Mahmood, Member Planning and Design Dr. Khalid Hafiz, DC Islamabad Irfan Nawaz Memon, Director General Building and Housing Control, Director General Islamabad Capital Emergency Services, and other relevant officers.
It is pertinent to mention that Federal Minister for Interior Mohsin Naqvi had taken notice and directed the CDA to conduct a survey of all buildings in Islamabad regarding Fire Safety and Hazard Control at the earliest. In light of the direction of the Interior Minister, CDA Chairman had issued orders to all relevant departments, including the Capital Emergency Services and the Building and Housing Control Wing, to complete the survey immediately.
It was decided in the meeting that building owners and occupants would be directed to submit their Fire Safety and Hazard Control Certificates to the relevant offices of CDA’s Building & Housing Control Wing within fifteen days. Otherwise, legal action will be initiated against those not complying with the direction under the CDA Ordinance and the Islamabad Capital Territory Building Control Regulations 2020 (Amended 2023). This will entail fines and other enforcement measures. In this context, if an accident occurs in a building due to non-submission of the required certificates, the responsibility will lie with the concerned owners and the building management.
Building owners and their management are further requested to immediately ensure the safety status of their buildings and submit the necessary documents on time so that public safety standards can be maintained in the Capital.
