The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has ramped up efforts to ensure fire safety regulations in the federal capital after increased public scrutiny of such measures following the tragic fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) that led to the deaths of 14 infants.
According to the CDA, it has imposed a fine of Rs. 500,000 each on PIMS, Polyclinic and the Capital Hospital for “non-compliance with Fire and Life Safety Requirements.” Additionally, it has sealed the Shaheed-e-Millat Building, State Life Building, Trade Development Authority of Pakistan Building and Beverly Center in the Blue Area for noncompliance. Two hotels in the same area have been partially sealed over the same offense.
In its press statement, the CDA said it had intensified enforcement of fire and life safety standards across the capital, emphasizing that the protection of human lives was its “topmost priority.” Confirming the sealing of the buildings, it said they were not in compliance with fire safety guidelines issued by the Fire and Emergency Services Directorate.
“Chairman CDA Sohail Ashraf has directed the concerned formations of CDA to adopt a zero-tolerance approach towards serious fire safety violations and ensure strict compliance with safety standards,” it said, adding he had emphasized that no building, institution or organization could be permitted to compromise people’s lives and safety by ignoring essential fire prevention and emergency response requirements.
The CDA maintained that its Fire and Emergency Services Directorate had been conducting inspections of buildings to identify deficiencies relating to fire prevention, emergency exits, firefighting arrangements, evacuation preparedness and other essential life safety measures. It said its Building Control Section had been advised to rectify identified deficiencies within the prescribed timeframe.
The statement cited the CDA chairman as saying fire safety was a collective responsibility. He said timely installation and maintenance of firefighting equipment, clear emergency exits, proper evacuation arrangements and compliance with safety protocols could save lives during an emergency. “Protection of human lives is the first and foremost responsibility. No compromise will be made on fire and life safety,” read the statement.