A fire broke out on the upper floor of the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Police Public Facilitation Centre in Islamabad, reportedly caused by a short circuit. The rescue teams immediately responded and evacuated people from the building.
The facilitation centre is reported to be in the F6 area near the Curewell Specialists Clinic. The area is also accompanied by the Police Khidmat Markaz.
The fire was brought under control. The fire brigade arrived promptly to contain the flames. After severe efforts, the rescue officials confirmed that the fire was fully brought under control.
Initial reports suggest that the fire was caused by a short circuit, with a detailed analysis of the cause and loss to be submitted by the concerned authorities.
Fire safety flaws in Islamabad’s buildings
According to Zameen.com, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) also conducted a preliminary survey of fire safety measures in public and private buildings across Islamabad on January 28, 2026. The officials found serious gaps in safety systems.
According to officials, nearly 70 per cent of the city’s 6,500 high-rise buildings do not have functional fire safety or hazard control systems. The survey also found that more than 70 per cent of buildings lacked approved fire safety plans or completion certificates.
Around 300 government buildings were included in the inspection, officials said.
Oversight and responsibility
The CDA’s Building Control Cell and Planning Wing were identified as responsible for overseeing safety compliance. Following the findings, notices have been issued to building owners, instructing them to address the shortcomings.
The survey results were shared during a meeting chaired by Islamabad’s Chief Commissioner and Chairman CDA, Muhammad Ali Randhawa. Senior CDA officials, including members from planning, administration and emergency services, attended the meeting. Officials discussed the scale of non-compliance and the need for stricter checks to reduce risks in densely populated buildings.
The survey was carried out at the direction of Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who asked the CDA to immediately assess fire safety and hazard control measures in all buildings to avoid incidents like the Gul Plaza Karachi fire. Following the review, the CDA chairman ordered Capital Emergency Services and other relevant departments to carry out follow-up actions without delay.
Authorities have decided that building owners and occupants must submit valid fire safety and hazard control certificates to the CDA’s Building and Housing Control Wing within 15 days. Officials said the move aims to improve compliance and ensure basic safety standards are met across the capital.
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