ISLAMABAD — A devastating fire ripped through the nursery of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) early Wednesday, claiming the lives of 14 newborn babies and prompting the country’s top leadership to demand immediate accountability and a sweeping review of hospital safety protocols.
President Asif Ali Zardari called the loss of innocent lives “heartbreaking and an irreparable loss,” extending his condolences to the bereaved families. He directed authorities to investigate the incident without delay, determine responsibility, and take strict action against those found negligent.
The president also stressed the urgent need to review and effectively enforce fire safety measures at healthcare facilities across the country to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Prime Minister Orders High-Level Inquiry
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed profound sorrow over the deaths and conveyed his heartfelt sympathies to the grieving families. He described the loss of innocent newborns as “irreparable” and ordered an immediate high-level investigation into the incident.
The prime minister directed relevant authorities to thoroughly examine the circumstances that led to the fire and ensure that anyone found responsible is held accountable under the law.
Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal confirmed details of the incident, saying the fire spread rapidly due to the presence of combustible medical equipment and oxygen cylinders in the nursery. He expressed grief over the deaths and said a strict administrative audit of hospital safety protocols was underway to identify any systemic lapses.
Political Leaders Express Grief, Demand Safety Reforms
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif also expressed deep sorrow over the loss of the newborns and extended her sympathies to the grieving mothers and families. She described the deaths as unbearable and called for strict implementation of fire safety protocols at public and private healthcare facilities.
Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi offered prayers for the bereaved families and said a transparent investigation would be conducted. He pledged that those responsible for any negligence would be held accountable.
Preliminary Findings Point to AC Explosion or Short Circuit
According to preliminary reports, the fire broke out at around 6:45 a.m. on the third floor of the Maternal and Child Health (MCH) ward. The blaze was reportedly caused by an air-conditioner compressor explosion or a short circuit and quickly spread after coming into contact with oxygen supplies.
There were 15 infants in the nursery when the fire erupted. Emergency teams, supported by six fire engines and four ambulances, reached the hospital and brought the blaze under control. Fourteen newborns lost their lives, while one infant was rescued by a duty doctor.
The Islamabad district administration has constituted an inquiry committee headed by the Additional Deputy Commissioner General to determine the exact cause of the fire and review safety arrangements at the facility.
Accountability and Systemic Reform in Focus
The tragedy has reignited concerns about fire safety standards in Pakistan’s public hospitals, where aging infrastructure and inadequate emergency preparedness have long been flagged by health advocates. The presence of oxygen cylinders and flammable medical supplies in close proximity to electrical equipment is a known hazard that safety experts say requires urgent regulatory attention.
As investigations proceed, the focus remains on whether lapses in maintenance, staff training, or equipment standards contributed to the rapid spread of the fire. The government’s response, including the high-level inquiry and administrative audit, signals a push for systemic reform amid public outrage over the preventable loss of life.
