ISLAMABAD: Zafar Mehmood, the Director of Disaster Management at the Capital Development Authority (CDA), emphasized the vital role the business community plays in the development of the country. He also highlighted the community’s consistent cooperation in observing building safety rules and regulations. Mehmood made these remarks during a meeting with Nasir Mansoor Qureshi, President of the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), on Tuesday. Senior Vice President Abdul Rehman Siddiqui, Vice President Nasir Mehmood Chaudhry, Executive Members Malik Mohsin Khalid, Mohammad Waseem Chaudhry, Special Advisor to ICCI President Naeem Siddiqui, former Senior Vice President Khalid Chaudhry, and other ICCI members were also present.
During the meeting, Zafar Mehmood informed the attendees that his department is well-equipped and prepared to address any emergency. He stressed the importance of the business community keeping fire extinguishing equipment up to date and adhering strictly to building by-laws to ensure both building and human safety. Mehmood emphasized his commitment to fostering greater coordination and collaboration with the business community, noting that his approach focuses on advisory meetings rather than imposing penalties or sealing business entities. He also highlighted that the observance of the 2016 building code is mandatory for newly constructed commercial buildings while existing buildings can meet safety standards by installing portable fire safety equipment.
Nasir Mansoor Qureshi, President of ICCI, appreciated the Director’s advisory approach and reaffirmed the business community’s unwavering loyalty to the country. He noted that the business community continues to serve the nation by overcoming various challenges. While expressing support for full cooperation with government departments, Qureshi stressed the need for and more effective outcomes. He also discussed ICCI’s efforts to enhance services for the business community, including the adoption of an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system. This system aims to reduce human interference in procedural processes, and several other initiatives are in the pipeline to transform ICCI into a model chamber for the country.
