ISLAMABAD: Capital Emergency Services conducted a practical fire and rescue drill at the Prime Minister’s Office, identifying several safety shortcomings while testing the readiness and response time of emergency teams.
During the exercise, officials found that the building’s fire alarm and siren were not loud enough to be heard clearly, potentially creating difficulties during an actual emergency.
Moreover, the drill revealed that an electrically operated gate failed to open when power was unavailable. Authorities subsequently directed officials to install and activate emergency and manual override mechanisms immediately to ensure uninterrupted access during emergencies.
Emergency Teams Reach PM Office Within Minutes
Emergency services received information about the simulated fire at 11:32am. Within one minute of the fire call, authorities had alerted the relevant emergency teams.
Meanwhile, a fire tender stationed in Islamabad’s G-5 sector reached the Prime Minister’s Office within four minutes, demonstrating a rapid initial response.
A rescue van and Bronto sky lift, which emergency services use for firefighting and rescue operations at elevated locations, also reached the premises within nine minutes.
Officials continued the exercise until 11:58am, completing the entire mock fire and rescue operation in less than half an hour.
Officials Order Immediate Action on Identified Safety Issues
Despite the shortcomings identified in the building’s alarm and access systems, officials described the overall response performance of Capital Emergency Services as satisfactory.
Furthermore, the exercise allowed emergency teams to assess coordination, equipment deployment and response procedures under simulated fire conditions.
Authorities stressed the need to address the identified deficiencies promptly, particularly the weak alarm system and electrically operated gate.
Consequently, officials directed that suitable backup and manual systems remain operational to prevent power failures or equipment problems from obstructing emergency evacuation and rescue operations at the Prime Minister’s Office.
