The Government has approved the installation of modern fire safety systems in Islamabad’s federal buildings.
The decision follows a deadly fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS). Several newborn babies died in the nursery fire.
The Secretaries Committee approved the new measures on Tuesday. The decision came amid concerns about fire safety standards in federal buildings.
Modern fire sprinklers and alarm systems will be installed where necessary. The programme will cover ministries, divisions and other government facilities.
Buildings without adequate fire protection will receive priority under the new plan. Officials will also assess existing safety arrangements.
The Secretary Cabinet confirmed the planned installation of the new systems. He said buildings lacking required facilities would be identified.
The PIMS incident highlighted serious weaknesses in fire preparedness. Investigations raised concerns about alarms and sprinkler arrangements.
Emergency exits and response procedures also came under scrutiny after the incident. The tragedy increased pressure for stronger safety measures.
Following the fire, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) increased enforcement in Islamabad. The authority began checking buildings for compliance with fire safety rules.
Several buildings were sealed after authorities found safety violations. These included the Shaheed-i-Millat Building and State Life Building.
The Trade Development Authority of Pakistan Building was also among the properties sealed. The Beverly Center faced similar enforcement action.
Parts of two hotels in Islamabad’s Blue Area were also reportedly sealed. The action followed inspections by the relevant authorities.
The CDA also imposed financial penalties on several hospitals. PIMS, Polyclinic and CDA’s Capital Hospital each received a Rs. 500,000 fine.
The fines were imposed over violations of fire and life-safety requirements. Officials are now working to identify other facilities requiring improvements.
The Government has assigned an important role to the CDA in this process. The authority will monitor fire safety compliance in federal buildings.
It will also identify locations where new fire protection systems are required. These measures are intended to reduce fire-related risks.
Meanwhile, the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on National Health Services has raised concerns over PIMS.
The committee reviewed fire safety arrangements and emergency preparedness at the hospital. Electrical and oxygen systems were also discussed.
Staff training was another concern raised by the committee. Members also called for accountability following the deadly fire.
The Government’s latest decision aims to improve safety standards across Islamabad. Modern alarm and sprinkler systems can provide earlier warnings during emergencies.
The initiative is also expected to strengthen preparedness in federal facilities. Authorities will focus on buildings where existing protection remains inadequate.
The measures come as officials face increased scrutiny over fire safety. The PIMS tragedy has highlighted the importance of effective emergency systems.
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Improved inspections and modern equipment could help prevent similar incidents. The authorities are expected to continue monitoring compliance across Islamabad.
