Most buildings in Islamabad, Pakistan’s capital, do not have fire safety certifications, as reported by the Capital Development Authority (CDA). Following a major fire incident at Karachi’s Gul Plaza mall, the CDA conducted a survey of 6,500 buildings in Islamabad to assess fire safety and hazard control measures. The survey revealed that a majority of these buildings had not obtained approvals for their fire safety plans, and completion/fire safety certifications were not issued.
During the survey, the CDA inspected 300 government buildings and found that they also lacked the necessary fire safety approvals. Federal Minister for Interior Mohsin Naqvi directed the CDA to promptly conduct a survey of all buildings in Islamabad regarding fire safety and hazard control. In response, relevant departments, including the Capital Emergency Services and the Building and Housing Control Wing, were instructed to expedite the survey process.
In a meeting chaired by CDA chairman Ali Randhawa, it was decided that building owners and occupants must submit their Fire Safety and Hazard Control Certificates to the CDA’s Building and Housing Control Wing offices within 15 days. Failure to comply will result in legal action under the CDA Ordinance and the Islamabad Capital Territory Building Control Regulations 2020 (Amended 2023).
A tragic fire incident at Gul Plaza mall claimed the lives of 79 individuals. A committee, led by Karachi Commissioner Syed Hasan Naqvi and Additional Inspector General Javed Alam Odho, has compiled the final investigation report on the fire. The report, to be presented to Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, includes details on the fire’s cause, firefighting efforts, rescue operations, and accounts from victims, witnesses, and emergency responders.
