Chairman CDA Chairs Meeting on Fire Safety and Emergency Preparedness in Federal Capital

Date: Jan 20, 2026

ISLAMABAD: January 19, 2026: A high-level meeting to review fire incident preparedness and strengthen safety measures for sensitive buildings in the Federal Capital was held at the Capital Development Authority (CDA) Headquarters on Monday. The meeting was chaired by Chairman Capital Development Authority (CDA) and Chief Commissioner Islamabad, Muhammad Ali Randhawa. The meeting was attended by CDA Board Member Finance Tahir Naeem, Member Planning and Design Dr. Khalid Hafiz, Deputy Commissioner Islamabad Irfan Nawaz Memon, Director General Building & Housing Control, Director General Capital Emergency Services, and other senior officers. Participants held detailed discussions on existing fire safety arrangements, enhancing protective measures, and formulating a comprehensive strategy for both public and private buildings across Islamabad. Chairman CDA Muhammad Ali Randhawa emphasized that all high-rise public and private buildings in the Federal Capital must be formally surveyed and categorized. He directed that strict compliance with mandatory fire safety measures and clearly marked emergency exit routes in high-rise buildings must be ensured. During the briefing, it was informed that approval of a building’s fire safety plan by the CDA is mandatory prior to the construction of any new building. The meeting was further apprised that fire safety certification for new public and private buildings, in accordance with Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) codes, is compulsory. It was also shared that modern firefighting techniques, including the use of drones, will be introduced for fire response in high-rise buildings. Chairman CDA directed that a clear and effective mechanism be established to ensure full compliance of sensitive and old buildings with fire safety regulations. He stressed that the fire safety audit system must be strengthened and its implementation ensured in letter and spirit. He further instructed that the Capital Emergency Services, in coordination with the district administration, should conduct regular fire and evacuation simulation exercises in high-rise buildings. Additionally, he directed that the human resource requirements of the Capital Emergency Services be fulfilled on an urgent basis. The meeting also reviewed progress on the activation of a modern, digitally integrated Emergency Operations Center and the establishment of new rescue stations at key locations across the city. Chairman CDA Muhammad Ali Randhawa stated that work is underway on a comprehensive legal and operational framework to effectively respond to all types of emergencies and disasters in the Federal Capital. He reaffirmed that the protection of citizens’ lives and property remains among the top priorities of the administration.