Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered a high-level inquiry into the deadly fire that broke out at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad, resulting in the deaths of several newborn babies.
Following the tragedy, the prime minister ordered the immediate suspension and removal of Federal Health Secretary Aslam Ghauri from his post.
A high-level meeting was held at the Prime Minister’s House after the incident, where officials from the Ministry of Health were summoned to brief the prime minister on the circumstances surrounding the fire.
Expressing anger over the loss of newborn lives, PM Shehbaz directed authorities to investigate the incident thoroughly and determine who was responsible for any negligence or safety failures.
High-Level Probe Ordered
The prime minister has constituted a high-level inquiry committee to investigate the fire and determine its causes.
Former Interior Secretary Shahid Khan has been appointed chairman of the inquiry committee, while Establishment Secretary Dr Barrister Naveel Awan has also been included as a member.
The committee is expected to examine the circumstances that led to the fire, the hospital’s safety arrangements, the response of relevant departments and whether any negligence contributed to the deaths.
The investigation will also seek to establish the exact cause of the blaze and determine whether existing fire safety and emergency procedures were properly followed.
Newborns Die in PIMS Nursery Fire
The fire broke out at around 7am on Wednesday on the third floor of the Mother and Child Healthcare Centre at PIMS.
PIMS officials initially reported that 14 newborns had died in the incident, while subsequent reports increased the death toll to 15.
PIMS Executive Director Professor Imran Sikandar confirmed the deaths and said the incident would be investigated from all angles.
The exact cause of the fire has not yet been established.
Initial information suggested that the blaze may have been caused by an explosion or malfunction involving an air-conditioning compressor. However, authorities are expected to determine the actual cause through a detailed investigation.
Rescue Teams Evacuate Patients
Rescue teams immediately responded after receiving information about the fire and launched an emergency evacuation operation at the hospital.
According to rescue officials, the fire was brought under control before cooling operations were initiated.
Emergency teams evacuated 19 people from the affected area during the rescue operation.
The incident has raised serious concerns over fire safety measures and emergency preparedness at one of Islamabad’s major public hospitals.
The suspension of the federal health secretary reflects the seriousness with which the government is treating the tragedy.
Investigation to Determine Responsibility
The inquiry committee will now investigate whether safety protocols were properly implemented and whether any administrative or operational failures contributed to the deaths.
Authorities are also expected to examine the hospital’s emergency response, fire prevention systems and the handling of newborn patients during the evacuation.
PM Shehbaz has directed the relevant authorities to ensure that those found responsible face appropriate action.
The government’s high-level investigation is expected to provide further clarity on the circumstances surrounding the fire and identify measures to prevent similar tragedies at healthcare facilities in the future.
