Islamabad, January 19, 2026: A high-level meeting on fire safety and protective measures for sensitive buildings in Islamabad was held at the Capital Development Authority (CDA) headquarters on Monday, presided over by Chairman 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 Generals of Building & Housing Control and Capital Emergency Services, along with other senior officers. Discussions focused on reviewing current fire safety arrangements, enhancing protective measures, and formulating a comprehensive strategy for both public and private buildings.
Chairman CDA Muhammad Ali Randhawa emphasized that all high-rise buildings in the Federal Capital should be formally surveyed and categorized, ensuring mandatory fire safety measures and emergency exit routes. He highlighted that approval of a building’s fire safety plan from CDA is compulsory prior to construction, and that new buildings must comply with Pakistan Engineering Council fire certification standards.
The meeting also discussed modern firefighting technologies, including the use of drones for operations in high-rise buildings. Chairman Randhawa stressed establishing a clear mechanism for compliance of sensitive and older buildings with fire safety regulations and called for a more effective fire safety audit system.
He directed the Capital Emergency Services, in coordination with the district administration, to conduct regular simulation exercises in high-rise buildings and to immediately address human resource requirements. The meeting also reviewed the activation of a modern Emergency Operation Center based on digital infrastructure and the establishment of new rescue stations at key locations across the city.
Chairman CDA Muhammad Ali Randhawa stated that a comprehensive legal and operational framework is being developed to handle all types of emergencies and disasters in the Federal Capital, reaffirming that protecting citizens’ lives and property remains a top priority.
