By Urdu Report Editorial Team
Islamabad: The government has launched a high-level investigation after 14 newborn babies were killed in a devastating fire at the nursery of the children’s ward at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has suspended Federal Health Secretary Aslam Ghori and ordered the formation of an inquiry committee to determine those responsible for the tragedy.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired a high-level meeting on the PIMS fire incident, during which officials briefed him on the circumstances surrounding the blaze and safety arrangements at the hospital. The prime minister expressed serious concern and ordered the immediate suspension and removal of Federal Health Secretary Aslam Ghori.
A high-level inquiry committee has also been constituted to investigate the incident. Former Interior Secretary Shahid Khan has been appointed as the head of the committee, while Establishment Secretary Dr Barrister Nabeel Awan will serve as a member.
pims hospital incident:No words pic.twitter.com/NuNjb5KMH7
— Urdu Report (@UrduReportpk) August 26, 2026
President Zardari Expresses Grief
President Asif Ali Zardari expressed deep sorrow over the deaths of 14 newborn babies in the PIMS hospital fire.
President Zardari directed the authorities to identify those responsible for the tragedy and take action in accordance with the law. He stressed the need to ensure effective fire safety systems and emergency arrangements in hospitals across the country, particularly for the protection of newborn babies and other vulnerable patients.
Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had also taken notice of the incident and directed authorities to determine those responsible and take strict action.
پمز واقعہ ماں کی انتہائی دردناک گفتگو pic.twitter.com/L0sxwrIxYb
— Urdu Report (@UrduReportpk) August 26, 2026
Hospital Administration Denies Nursery Door Was Locked
PIMS Executive Director Rana Imran Sikandar has denied reports that the nursery door was locked at the time of the fire.
Speaking to the Media , Imran Sikandar said there was no lock on the door and hospital staff were present there. According to him, staff were stationed at the entrance to prevent newborn babies from being stolen, citing previous incidents of child theft at government hospitals.
He also clarified that the nursery did not have a dedicated water-based firefighting arrangement. Instead, fire extinguishers had been placed there. According to him, 24 fire extinguishers were used while efforts were being made to control the blaze. The parents leveed the allegations that at the time incident occurred the nursery doors were closed.
15 Babies Were Admitted to the Nursery
According to a PIMS hospital document, 15 newborn babies were admitted to the children’s ward nursery when the fire broke out. Only one child could be rescued.
PIMS Executive Director Rana Imran Sikandar and hospital spokesperson Dr Aneza Jalil had confirmed that 14 newborn babies died in the incident.
Initial information suggests that the fire spread rapidly inside the nursery, leaving the newborns in an extremely vulnerable situation. Rescue teams and hospital staff attempted to control the blaze and evacuate the babies.
Investigation Into Cause of Fire Underway
Authorities are investigating the exact cause of the fire as well as the safety arrangements in place at the nursery. The high-level inquiry committee will examine the condition of the fire safety system, emergency response arrangements and whether any negligence or failure contributed to the tragedy.
The committee is also expected to determine whether established safety protocols were properly followed and identify any individuals responsible for shortcomings.
The government has made it clear that action will be taken against those found responsible in accordance with the law and relevant regulations.
The tragedy has also raised serious questions about fire safety, emergency response mechanisms and the protection of newborns and other vulnerable patients in hospitals.
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14 Newborns Die in Devastating Fire at PIMS Nursery – urdureport.com
