ISLAMABAD, August 27, 2026: A fire audit by the Capital Development Authority (CDA) has revealed serious fire and life safety deficiencies at Islamabad’s major government hospital, Poly Clinic, ARY News reported.
According to the CDA fire audit, 34 fire and life safety deficiencies were identified at the hospital.
Gas leakage was also reported near the central kitchen, with immediate corrective measures recommended. Several important sections of Poly Clinic do not have proper emergency exits, while multiple emergency routes were found blocked or obstructed.
The audit report said the hospital does not have an automatic fire detection system or manual fire alarm system. Sprinklers, hose reels, wet risers and yard hydrant systems are also absent.
There are no dedicated underground or rooftop water tanks for firefighting, according to the report.
The electrical wiring at Poly Clinic was declared extremely poor. The audit also found inadequate arrangements for evacuating patients from the CCU, ICU and NICU.
The hospital does not have a proper emergency and evacuation plan. Adequate emergency lights, exit signs and an assembly area are also not available.
The report said there is no fire safety training or initial firefighting team at the hospital. Poor cleanliness, lack of non-slip protection on stairs, and absence of fire blankets, safety equipment and anti-shatter protection for glass were also identified.
The hospital also lacks proper fire compartmentation in important areas.
The CDA directed Poly Clinic to immediately restore all emergency exits and recommended urgent correction of the gas leakage and unsafe electrical wiring.
The report also recommended installing fire alarm, detection and firefighting systems on a priority basis.
The CDA declared immediate correction of the fire and life safety deficiencies necessary. A re-inspection of Poly Clinic will be conducted after the deficiencies are rectified, according to the audit report.
