Federal Minister for Interior, Senator Rehman Malik, chaired a high level meeting here on Friday to review fire fighting/safety measures in the Federal Capital. During the meeting it was noted that the measures taken by CDA and Islamabad Administration are satisfactory in terms of valuation of the buildings in connection with fire safety.
It was observed that co-operation from the building owners is not extended fully in Islamabad and hence proper valuation of certain buildings is not possible especially the internal safety of the buildings. District Magistrate Islamabad has been asked to immediately issue a binding provision under section 144 to allow the concerned authorities from the fire branch of CDA and Islamabad Administration to have proper survey done as per the international standards.
Civil Defence, CDA and Islamabad Administration will launch an awareness campaign with effect from September 20 for one week to make the public educated about the importance of fire fighting measures and also make them aware how to protect their buildings/houses from any unexpected eruption of fire. It has also been noted based on the available data in the country that 50 percent of the fire incidents take place because of substandard electric wiring hence it has been made compulsory for buildings/houses in Islamabad to get certificate for satisfactory electric warning material and clarification of the buildings/ houses.
The CDA and Islamabad Administration to examine certain electronic firms based on merit but should be made responsible for issuance of certificates as per the specifications of electrification issued by the relevant authorities. It was also noted that the present law is unable to cater growing requirements because of densely populated areas to effectively control and implement 1934 Factory Act, Civil Defence Act and as the provision and limited jurisdiction on the industrial areas and the same jurisdiction shall be extended to the whole country through the legislation covering all the lacunas.
Federal Secretary Interior has been directed by the Federal Minister for Interior to have the draft legislation (Amendment) whereby the violation of safety procedure shall be punishable for three years with five lac fine or cease the property.
It has been decided in the meeting that all factory owners must display list of inflammable materials outside the buildings and they must designate officer only to deal with the authorities for close liaison and also time to time briefing on this subject. Chief Commissioner Islamabad has been directed to appoint an Electrical Inspector who will be responsible to issue certificate about the quality of the electronic wiring and proper clarification of the premises.-PR