CDA Survey Reveals Alarming Safety Gaps
More than 50 percent of high-rise buildings in Islamabad reportedly lack complete fire safety equipment. The findings emerged from an initial survey conducted by the Capital Development Authority. The survey has raised serious concerns about public safety in the federal capital.
According to Geo News, the CDA carried out a preliminary inspection across the city. Buildings taller than 15 meters were classified as high-rise structures. The survey identified over 500 such buildings in Islamabad. These included both public and private properties.
The results showed widespread violations of fire safety regulations. Many buildings failed to meet even basic safety standards. Officials said the issue affects residential, commercial, and government buildings alike. The lack of compliance highlights weak enforcement of building codes.
Authorities warned that the situation could prove dangerous during emergencies. High-rise buildings pose greater risks in case of fire. Poor safety measures can lead to serious loss of life and property.
Missing Equipment in Government and Private Buildings
The survey revealed that many high-rise buildings lack essential firefighting equipment. In several cases, fire alarms were missing or nonfunctional. Fire extinguishers were either absent or in poor condition. Fire hose reels were also not properly installed.
Both government and private buildings were found violating safety rules. Several high-rise structures in Islamabad’s Red Zone were listed among non-compliant buildings. This area houses key government offices and institutions.
Multiple blocks of the Federal Secretariat were found without fire alarms. Other essential firefighting tools were also missing. Officials described the findings as highly concerning due to the sensitivity of the area.
The survey also highlighted poor safety conditions in other parts of the city. High-rise buildings in the Karachi Company area were found to have almost no fire safety arrangements. Inspectors noted a complete absence of emergency response systems in some structures.
Fire Safety Weak Across Key Sectors
Fire safety measures were also found ineffective in several residential and commercial sectors. Buildings in F-11 and F-10 failed to meet required safety standards. Similar issues were reported in G-13 and G-14.
Authorities also pointed out deficiencies in buildings near Golra Mor. Many of these structures lacked emergency exits and warning systems. In some cases, installed equipment was outdated or unusable.
In contrast, only a small number of high-rise buildings showed satisfactory safety standards. Most of these were located in Islamabad’s Blue Area. Officials said these buildings had functional alarms and firefighting systems.
The CDA is expected to expand the survey in the coming weeks. Officials may issue notices to non-compliant building owners. Legal action could follow if safety standards are not improved.
Experts stressed the need for urgent reforms. They called for strict enforcement of fire safety laws. Regular inspections were also recommended to prevent future risks. The survey has once again highlighted the need to prioritize public safety in Islamabad.
