Islamabad, August 1, 2025 – The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has issued strict directives to all field offices across Pakistan to immediately implement enhanced fire safety protocols in the wake of a recent fire incident at a key tax office.
According to the FBR, all offices—whether housed in rented or owned premises—must take the following precautionary measures without delay:
1. Conduct a detailed inspection of all electric wiring to identify and eliminate potential fire hazards.
2. Ensure that all emergency exits are clearly marked and kept unobstructed at all times for safe evacuation.
3. Maintain and correctly position fire extinguishers throughout the premises and ensure they are regularly tested for functionality.
These instructions follow a fire outbreak on July 30, 2025, at 3:30 PM in the RDFC Building, Islamabad, which houses the Corporate Tax Office along with other FBR departments. The incident prompted an immediate response from the Fire Brigade and FBR officials.
Upon the fire’s breakout, emergency services were quickly alerted. Building occupants were swiftly evacuated, including several individuals who were briefly trapped. Thanks to the coordinated efforts of the Fire Brigade and FBR staff, the fire was contained to the room of origin, preventing major damage. No FBR records or critical assets were harmed.
To maintain uninterrupted operations, the Corporate Tax Office has been temporarily relocated to the adjacent Regional Tax Office Islamabad, where services have resumed. The affected building remains under observation, and security personnel have been stationed to safeguard official records.
The FBR praised the swift, coordinated response of the Fire Brigade and internal staff, stressing that such incidents highlight the need for robust safety infrastructure. Offices are now required to report compliance with the fire safety directives to FBR headquarters at the earliest.