Islamabad, Pakistan – A recent review of fire safety measures in the federal capital has raised concerns over the preparedness of several commercial and residential buildings. Officials have indicated that while some areas maintain adequate fire safety standards, significant gaps exist in others, particularly in newer commercial developments.
Uneven Compliance Across the City
Dr. Abdul Rehman, Director General of Capital Emergency Services, told local media that fire safety standards in Islamabad are not entirely satisfactory. He highlighted that while most buildings in the Blue Area, the city’s main commercial hub, meet basic fire safety requirements, other areas, including buildings managed by Karachi Company and certain developments in G-9, still lack comprehensive safety arrangements.
These gaps are concerning because commercial and residential buildings must be equipped to prevent potential disasters, Dr. Rehman said.
Regulatory Framework for Fire Safety
Under Pakistan’s fire safety regulations, a building cannot be constructed without prior approval from the Capital Emergency Services. Developers must obtain a Fire NOC (No Objection Certificate) before starting construction. Once construction is complete, a final NOC confirming compliance is issued.
Additionally, building owners are required to hire licensed companies to manage fire safety systems and conduct maintenance. Owners must also submit compliance reports every six months to ensure ongoing safety standards are met.
Despite these regulations, officials acknowledge that enforcement remains inconsistent. Some building owners fail to maintain regular inspections or submit timely reports, which can leave buildings vulnerable to fire hazards.
Responsibility of Municipal Authorities
Dr. Inam, Director of the District Municipal Administration (DMA), explained that the responsibility for ensuring fire safety in city markets falls under the local municipal administration. He noted that authorities conduct periodic inspections, but resources and staffing limitations often hinder comprehensive monitoring.
Markets and crowded commercial areas require constant vigilance, especially during peak business hours and public events, Dr. Inam said.
Growing Concerns Amid Urban Expansion
Islamabad has seen rapid urban growth over the past decade, with new commercial complexes and residential towers emerging across the city. Experts warn that the expansion has outpaced the development of safety infrastructure, making enforcement challenging.
According to the Capital Development Authority (CDA), the Blue Area hosts over 300 commercial buildings, while newer sectors like G-9 and parts of I-8 have seen a surge of mid-rise office and residential towers in recent years. Ensuring fire safety in these areas is critical given the density of population and daily foot traffic.
Experts emphasize that regular maintenance, staff training, and functional fire alarms and sprinklers are vital to preventing disasters. They also urge authorities to adopt stricter monitoring mechanisms and modern fire detection systems, especially in high-risk commercial zones.
Public Safety as a Priority
Authorities stress that fire safety is not only a regulatory obligation but also a public responsibility. Residents and building tenants are encouraged to stay informed about evacuation procedures, emergency exits, and fire drills.
Dr. Abdul Rehman concluded, Fire safety cannot be taken lightly. We are committed to improving standards across the city, but cooperation from building owners and the public is essential to prevent tragedies.
As Islamabad continues to expand its commercial footprint, officials warn that fire safety measures must keep pace with urban development to ensure the safety of thousands of residents and workers daily.
