ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has sealed three major government buildings in Islamabad’s Blue Area, rather than five, following a swift crackdown on severe fire and life safety violations.
This intensified safety campaign was launched immediately after a tragic fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) hospital, which resulted in the deaths of 14 newborn babies.
Key Details of the Crackdown
Targeted Action: The sealed buildings in the Blue Area failed to address explicit safety deficiencies previously flagged by the CDA during inspection rounds.
Hospital Audits: Fresh inspections at other major public healthcare centers, including Polyclinic Hospital and Capital Hospital, exposed deep systemic issues. For instance, Polyclinic was cited for 34 life-safety
violations, featuring locked emergency exits, a lack of manual or automated fire alarms, and active gas leaks near its central kitchen.
Strict Warning: CDA Chairman Sohail Ashraf has mandated that no continued non-compliance will be tolerated. Building administrations are ordered to clear obstructed exit routes and install proper fire-suppression equipment immediately
Legal Pressure: Following the tragedy, petitions have been submitted to the Islamabad High Court demanding that the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) probe administrative negligence and restrict any medical or commercial registrations without a valid Fire Safety NOC
