Islamabad: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has announced plans to introduce modern firefighting techniques, including the use of drones, to improve emergency response in high-rise buildings across the federal capital.

The decision was taken during a high-level meeting at the CDA headquarters, chaired by CDA Chairman and Islamabad Chief Commissioner Muhammad Ali Randhawa. The meeting reviewed existing fire safety arrangements and assessed emergency preparedness for tall and sensitive buildings in Islamabad.

The meeting was attended by CDA Member Finance Tahir Naeem, Member Planning and Design Dr Khalid Hafiz, Deputy Commissioner Islamabad Irfan Nawaz Memon, and senior officials from the Building and Housing Control Directorate and Capital Emergency Services.

Officials briefed the participants that under the proposed plan, drones will assist firefighting and rescue operations, particularly in situations where conventional access by emergency teams is difficult. The initiative aims to modernise Islamabad’s emergency response infrastructure.

The meeting was informed that CDA approval of fire safety plans is mandatory before the construction of any building, while fire safety certification under Pakistan Engineering Council codes is compulsory for all public and private structures.

Chairman Randhawa directed authorities to survey and classify all high-rise buildings, ensure functional fire safety systems, clearly mark emergency exits, strengthen fire safety audits, and conduct regular emergency drills to enhance preparedness.