Download
Key Highlights of the Code
1. Purpose and Scope
The code establishes minimum legal requirements for the design and construction of buildings and facilities. It applies to:
-
All new and existing buildings owned, occupied, or managed by Federal, Provincial, and Local Governments.
-
Privately owned buildings meant for public use (e.g., hospitals, malls, hotels, and schools).
-
Existing buildings, which must be modified to meet these standards whenever achievable within economic limits.
2. Target Groups
The regulations are designed to accommodate people with various impairments, including:
-
Locomotory: Mobility issues requiring wheelchairs or walking aids.
-
Sensory: Vision or hearing impairments.
-
Cognitive: Difficulties with comprehension or maneuverability.
3. External Environment Requirements
-
Accessible Routes: Must be unobstructed, level, and at least 48 inches wide.
-
Ramps: New construction should have a slope no steeper than 1:12. Handrails are required for any drop over 18 inches.
-
Parking: Reserved parking must be provided near entrances. For facilities with over 50 spaces, at least 2% must be reserved for PWDs.
-
Public Transport: Requirements cover accessible bus stops, low-floor vehicles, and railway platforms that align with carriage floors.
4. Internal Environment & Building Components
-
Entrances: At least one primary entrance must be accessible by wheelchair, with a minimum door width of 33 inches.
-
Vertical Movement: Multi-storey buildings must have at least one accessible lift. Staircases must include handrails on both sides and tactile floor strips.
-
Toilet Facilities: At least one accessible toilet must be provided per floor. It must include grab bars, specific seat heights (European style), and enough space for a wheelchair to turn.
-
Signage: Signs must use international symbols, high-contrast colors, and Braille where applicable.
5. Safety and Emergency Egress
-
Areas of Refuge: Multi-storey buildings must have fire-protected “Areas of Refuge” where PWDs can wait for rescue during emergencies.
-
Alarms: Systems must include both auditory and visual (flashing) signals.
-
Emergency Plans: Regular drills and a clear rescue assistance plan are mandatory.
6. Administration and Compliance
-
Plan Approval: No construction or alteration can begin without the regulatory authority approving plans that include accessibility features.
-
Certification: “Completion Certificates” or “Occupancy Certificates” will only be issued if the building complies with the code.
-
Redress: The code provides a mechanism for the public to file complaints if accessible facilities are missing or poorly maintained.
Summary for Stakeholders
For architects and developers, this code is a mandatory design manual. For persons with disabilities, it serves as a legal tool to demand equal access to the physical environment, ensuring that public life in Pakistan becomes inclusive and barrier-free.