The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has sealed eight buildings in Islamabad for failing to meet mandatory fire prevention and life safety standards as enforcement against safety violations intensifies across the capital.

The action followed directions from the federal government through the Interior Ministry after fire safety deficiencies identified by the CDA’s Fire and Emergency Services Directorate were not corrected within the required deadline.

The buildings sealed by the authority include Shaheed-e-Millat Secretariat, State Life Building, Trade Development Authority of Pakistan Building, Beverley Centre, NIC Building, Crown Plaza, Khudadad Heights Plaza and Envoy Continental Hotel.

CDA said the properties were sealed because their administrations failed to address prescribed fire safety requirements.

The authority has also fined three major healthcare facilities — Capital Hospital, Polyclinic and Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) — Rs. 500,000 each for violating fire safety regulations.

CDA Chairman Sohail Ashraf has instructed the relevant departments to follow a zero-tolerance policy toward serious safety breaches and ensure that buildings comply with mandatory fire and life protection standards.

The Fire and Emergency Services Directorate has stepped up inspections throughout Islamabad. Teams are checking firefighting systems, emergency exits, evacuation arrangements, fire prevention measures and other safety provisions.

The CDA Building Control Section has also been directed to ensure that identified shortcomings are fixed within the specified deadlines.

The authority has urged government offices, public-sector organizations, commercial properties and private building owners to immediately complete all required safety arrangements.

CDA said building administrations would be allowed to correct identified deficiencies, but warned that failure to meet essential fire and life safety requirements could result in further sealing and legal action.