The crackdown was initiated after CDA’s Directorate of Fire and Emergency Services repeatedly failed to rectify fire safety deficiencies within the stipulated time.

This action was taken after instructions sent by the federal government through the secretary of the Ministry of Interior, in which notices were issued to the management of buildings across Islamabad for compliance with fire prevention and life safety regulations.

The sealed properties include Shaheed Millat Secretariat, State Life Building, Trade Development Authority of Pakistan Building, Beverly Centre, NIC Building, Crowne Plaza, Khudadad Heights Plaza and Elchi Continental Hotel.

The CDA also fined Capital Hospital, Polyclinic and Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) Rs 500,000, bringing the total fines to Rs 1.5 million.

CDA officials directed the concerned formations to adopt a zero tolerance policy against serious fire safety violations while stressing the need for strict compliance of mandatory fire safety and life safety requirements.

The authority has now expanded the scope of inspections across Islamabad, with teams examining safety arrangements, including fire extinguishers, emergency exits, evacuation systems, fire prevention measures and other life-saving facilities.

The building control section of the CDA has also been directed to ensure that the deficiencies identified during the inspection are rectified within the stipulated period. The authority warned the owners of government departments, public sector organisations, commercial establishments and private buildings to complete all necessary fire safety arrangements immediately.

While management will be given an opportunity to correct violations, the CDA has clarified that continued non-compliance with essential safety requirements may trigger further enforcement and legal action.

Avoid these illegal housing societies in Islamabad as CDA has issued a big warning.