IHC Seeks Fire Safety Audit of Buildings

For context, the Islamabad High Court has sought an explanation from the federal administration and other authorities over the apparent failure to enforce fire safety laws in the capital.

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• They additionally allow the Director of Emergency and Disaster Management to order evacuation if a building is identified dangerous.
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• As it reservations the same problem, the Chief Justice additionally stated the Attorney General should examine the matter.

Notably, the court asked whether buildings were being allowed to operate without mandatory safety clearances despite a regulatory framework that empowers authorities to inspect premises, order compliance and seal dangerous buildings.

Chief Justice Sardar Mohammad Sarfaraz Dogar directed the federation and other respondents to submit a report and para-wise comments within two weeks on a petition seeking a fire safety audit of all buildings in Islamabad and the sealing of those operating without the required no-objection certificate. Mock Fire Drill Exposes Fire Safety System Flaws in PM Office.

For context, the proceedings have gained significance after the August 26 fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, in which a number of newborn babies lost their lives.

For context, the petition raises the question of why buildings have reportedly continued to operate without the required fire safety safeguards despite the Islamabad Fire Prevention and Life Safety Regulations 2010.

For context, the petitioner remarked the Pims incident exposed serious weaknesses in the implementation of fire safety laws in the federal capital.

He argued that plenty of commercial, residential, educational and medical buildings were being employed without adequate firefighting equipment, emergency exits and mandatory fire safety NOCs.

Meanwhile, the regulations provide a mechanism for authorities to inspect buildings, determine whether required fire prevention and life safety measures have been adopted, record violations and order corrective action.

They additionally allow the Director of Emergency and Disaster Management to order evacuation if a building is identified dangerous. If occupants fail to comply, the regulations permit removal with police assistance and sealing of the building in the presence of a magistrate. Punjab Makes Fire Safety Training Mandatory for WASA Staff.

Meanwhile, the petition raised the matter of whether authorities have been carrying out regular inspections, identifying violations, and taking action against buildings failing to meet the prescribed standards.

According to It additionally, fire safety clearance is required at different stages of a building's life, including plan approval and completion certification, while existing buildings are additionally required to adopt the prescribed safety measures.

For context, the petitioner sought a comprehensive audit of every building in Islamabad, not just an inquiry into PIMS.

He requested the court to direct authorities to identify and publicly disclose buildings operating without fire safety NOCs and seal those that remain in violation until they comply with the law.

He additionally asked that the registration of hospitals and educational institutions be linked to valid fire safety NOCs, saying such facilities serve vulnerable populations and cannot be allowed to function without basic life-saving arrangements.

Meanwhile, the petitioner invoked Articles 9, 14 and 25 of the Constitution, arguing that failure to enforce fire safety standards amounts to a violation of the fundamental rights to life, dignity and equality.

Meanwhile, the court additionally clubbed the petition with another case concerning a judicial inquiry into the Pims fire tragedy.

During the hearing of the petition filed by citizen Munir Ahmed, Advocate Azhar Siddique remarked the problem had already been examined by the National Assembly's Standing Committee on Health last year.

He informed the court that the committee had written to the prime minister and the speaker regarding PIMS, but no action appeared to have followed the recommendations. He additionally referred to a letter written by committee chairman Amjad Khan. Islamabad Govt Buildings to Obtain New Fire Safety Systems.

According to Chief Justice Dogar, an order had already been passed in a similar petition and that the relief sought in the present case was substantially the same. He ordered the cases to be consolidated.

For context, the court directed the federation to submit a detailed report, including para-wise comments and details of action taken on the previous standing committee report. The case has been adjourned until September 24. Stay Connected with ProPakistani. Obtain the latest news and stories wherever you prefer. Follow on Google Discover.

Taken together, the developments around IHC Seeks Fire Safety Audit of Buildings point to a situation that is still moving, and the coming days should bring more clarity.