14 Infants Die in Fire at PIMS Gynae Ward; High-Level Inquiry Committee Formed

At least 14 newborn babies died after a fire broke out in the Maternal and Child Health Ward of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad. The fire erupted on the third floor of the ward early Wednesday morning. A suspected short circuit has been cited as a possible cause, although authorities said the exact reason would be determined through an investigation. Islamabad Chief Commissioner Sohail Ashraf Goraya said officials received the emergency call at 6:54am. Rescue teams were dispatched to the hospital, while senior police and administrative officials reached the scene to oversee relief efforts. State Minister for Interior Talal Chaudhry said the rescue team reached PIMS within six minutes of receiving the fire alert. He confirmed that the bodies of all 14 newborn victims had been handed over to their families. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered a high-level inquiry into the tragedy, directing authorities to determine the cause of the fire and identify any negligence or lapses in safety arrangements. An inquiry committee has been constituted to investigate the incident and determine responsibility. CCTV footage and other evidence have also been secured as part of the probe. Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal confirmed the deaths and said strict action would be taken against anyone found responsible. He added that he would also accept accountability if the inquiry identified any fault on his part. The tragedy has also triggered serious allegations from grieving parents and eyewitnesses, who claimed that emergency response was delayed and that medical staff were not adequately present when the fire broke out. Some witnesses said thick smoke filled the ward and people were forced to break windows to escape or attempt to rescue patients. Parents also raised questions about locked doors, fire safety arrangements and the availability of staff in the affected area. The district administration said six fire brigade vehicles and four ambulances participated in the rescue operation. The fire was brought under control and affected children were shifted to the intensive care unit. Following the tragedy, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif suspended and removed Federal Health Secretary Aslam Ghouri from his post and expressed strong displeasure over the performance of relevant officials. President Asif Ali Zardari, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also expressed deep grief over the deaths and extended condolences to the bereaved families. The incident has renewed concerns over fire safety standards, emergency preparedness and enforcement of safety regulations at major public hospitals in Pakistan. Authorities have pledged a comprehensive investigation to establish what caused the fire and whether any negligence contributed to the deaths.