— Building bylaw violations and official negligence questioned
By Raja Kashif Ashfaq
ISLAMABAD: The deaths of eight people in a gas explosion in Islamabad have once again raised serious questions about violations of building bylaws and negligence by the Capital Development Authority (CDA), particularly its Building Control Section and Katchi Abadi Cell.
Despite earning billions of rupees from the sale of residential and commercial plots, the CDA has focused mainly on roads, flyovers, and underpasses, while paying little attention to safety and enforcement of construction rules in non-regularized areas.
The tragic incident occurred early morning in Sector G-7/2, 66 Quarters, when a gas leak caused a powerful explosion. A second blast followed after a commercial gas cylinder exploded. Eight people, including a newly married couple, lost their lives, while 12 others were injured. The injured were shifted to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) for medical treatment.
According to eyewitnesses, the explosion was so strong that four houses were damaged, three of which collapsed completely. Rescue teams pulled nearly 20 people from the rubble.
The President, Prime Minister, and Interior Minister expressed grief over the incident and directed authorities to provide the best possible medical care to the injured.
The Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) confirmed that three houses were destroyed and one was partially damaged. The CDA Chairman said the explosion was caused by gas leakage, adding that such incidents are common during winter. He said an inquiry would be conducted to find the exact cause.
Residents said they rushed to the site after hearing a loud blast and found an entire house flattened.
Inspector General of Police Islamabad, Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi, visited PIMS Hospital, met the with the injured, and requested the hospital staff to ensure proper treatment.
A preliminary report by the Capital Emergency Service stated that the groom, identified as Shehri, was a CDA employee. His wedding party had returned from Gujrat at around 1:30 a.m.
Due to cold weather and wedding activities, a gas heater remained switched on during the night. Gas supply was later restored after load-shedding, causing leaked gas to fill the house. In the morning, when a matchstick was lit to prepare breakfast, a massive explosion occurred.
Later in the day, the CDA sealed two nearby houses, declaring them unsafe. CDA sources said that although official records show only a limited number of houses in the 66 Quarters area, hundreds of illegal and unapproved structures actually exist, creating serious safety risks.
The funeral prayers of the eight deceased members of the Christian community were offered late at night amid deep sorrow.
