Web Desk: Fourteen newborn infants were killed in a devastating fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad on Wednesday, prompting Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to order a high-level investigation and the removal of the federal health secretary.
The fire erupted at around 6:45am on the third floor of the Mother and Child Hospital, where 15 babies were receiving treatment. Officials said one infant was rescued by a doctor, while the remaining 14 died in the blaze.
Health Minister Mustafa Kamal said an air-conditioning unit reportedly exploded, triggering the fire. He added that oxygen cylinders in the ward intensified the blaze.
Rescue teams responded with six fire brigade vehicles and four ambulances, bringing the fire under control and shifting patients to safety.
PIMS spokesperson Dr Aneeza Jalil said the deceased infants were being treated in the ward, with some in incubators or receiving oxygen support.
PM orders action over PIMS fire
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed grief over the deaths and ordered authorities to determine the exact circumstances that led to the fire.
He directed officials to identify any negligence or failure and take strict action against those found responsible.
Following a high-level meeting, Federal Health Secretary Muhammad Aslam Ghauri was removed from his position, while a separate investigation committee headed by former interior secretary Shahid Khan was formed to probe the incident.
The Islamabad administration also constituted a fact-finding committee to determine the cause of the fire and examine whether adequate fire-safety arrangements were available and operational.
The committee was directed to submit its findings within 24 hours.
Families demand justice
The tragedy sparked anguish among families outside the hospital, with some relatives questioning the fire-safety arrangements and emergency response at the facility.
Parents and relatives described scenes of panic as smoke spread through the ward, forcing patients and attendants to flee the building.
The deaths have also renewed concerns about fire safety and emergency preparedness in Pakistan’s public hospitals, particularly in neonatal and intensive-care units where patients require specialised support.
President Zardari expresses grief
President Asif Ali Zardari offered condolences to the families, describing the deaths as a heartbreaking and irreparable loss.
He called for those responsible to be identified and urged authorities to ensure effective fire-safety and emergency arrangements in hospitals to protect vulnerable patients, especially newborns.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives.
