High-rises sealed, three Islamabad hospitals fined over fire safety violations

ISLAMABAD: Following the recent tragic incident at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims), where 14 newborn babies died in a fire, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) has intensified enforcement of fire and life safety regulations across Islamabad, sealing several high-rise buildings and partially sealing two hotels in Blue Area while imposing fines on three hospitals. The CDA imposed a fine of Rs500,000 each on Pims, Polyclinic and its own Capital Hospital for “non-compliance with Fire and Life Safety Requirements”. As part of the enforcement operation in Blue Area, the CDA sealed Shaheed-i-Millat Building, State Life Building, Trade Development Authority of Pakistan Building and Beverly Centre. Teams were also inspecting the National Insurance Company Limited building until the filing of this report. Action follows Pims fire that killed 14 newborns as civic agency intensifies inspections, enforcement Two hotels in Blue Area were partially sealed, with further intake of guests stopped. “Yes, today we have sealed several high-rise buildings in Blue Area, besides partially sealing two hotels. Fines of Rs500,000 each were also imposed on Pims, Polyclinic and CDA’s own