ISLAMABAD: Following the horrific fire incident at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) on August 26, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) has taken significant administrative action against senior officials responsible for Islamabad’s fire and emergency services.
Under two separate office orders issued by the CDA this week, Director General Capital Emergency Services Dr. Abdul Rahman has been suspended with immediate effect while Director Fire Services Muhammad Ahsan’s previously approved foreign leave has been cancelled.
DG Capital Emergency Services suspended
According to Office Order No. CDA-5(1) Conf./2026/1345, issued by the CDA Confidential Cell, the services of BS-20 officer Dr. Abdul Rahman, Director General Capital Emergency Services have been suspended with immediate effect in light of the recommendations of the inquiry committee constituted to investigate the PIMS fire and the directions of the Prime Minister’s Office.
According to the order, BPS-19 officer Muhammad Ahsan, Director Fire Services has been assigned the additional charge of Director General Capital Emergency Services with immediate effect. He will perform these duties until further orders. The CDA said the action was taken with the approval of the competent authority.
Fire Director’s foreign leave cancelled
Earlier, on August 27, the CDA’s Human Resource Directorate cancelled the foreign leave of Director Fire Services Muhammad Ahsan. Muhammad Ahsan had been granted foreign leave from August 31 to September 11, 2026. However, the leave was cancelled in view of the recent fire incident at PIMS.
The office order was issued with the approval of CDA Chairman Sohail Ashraf Goraya. According to sources, the decision to prevent the concerned officer from travelling abroad was taken due to the ongoing inquiry and questions surrounding fire safety and emergency response.
Accountability expanded after PIMS tragedy
The CDA’s action comes after the fire incident at PIMS on August 26 which raised several questions regarding the fire safety, rescue and emergency response systems in Islamabad.
According to sources, along with implementing the recommendations emerging from the PIMS inquiry, the performance and responsibilities of officials associated with the capital’s fire and emergency response system are also being reviewed.
A senior CDA official said the chairman had directed that no negligence would be tolerated when it comes to public safety and preparedness for emergencies.
Key points of action
- Dr. Abdul Rahman: DG Capital Emergency Services, CDA — suspended.
- Muhammad Ahsan: Director Fire Services — appointed acting DG Capital Emergency Services.
- Foreign leave: Muhammad Ahsan’s previously approved leave cancelled.
- Prime Minister’s Office: The suspension order cites directions from the Prime Minister’s Office.
- Inquiry: Investigation and accountability proceedings regarding the PIMS fire incident are ongoing.
Copies of both office orders have been sent to the concerned officers, DG Human Resources, Accounts, the Chairman and Member Administration of the CDA and other relevant offices. Minute Mirror has obtained copies of both official office orders.
