ISLAMABAD – A preliminary inquiry into the devastating fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) has uncovered a systemic failure marked by locked emergency exits, absent technical staff, and critically inadequate firefighting equipment, according to a report prepared for Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
The findings, compiled by the prime minister’s inquiry committee, establish clear negligence on the part of hospital officials and staff. The committee’s investigation, which included recorded statements from hospital personnel and a detailed timeline analysis of the emergency response, paints a grim picture of the obstacles faced by first responders.
Rescue Efforts Hampered by Locked Doors and Missing Staff
According to the report, rescue teams encountered severe difficulties in reaching the affected area. Critical access points were found locked, and no technical staff were present to assist with the emergency. The absence of functional firefighting equipment further compounded the crisis, forcing rescue personnel to break through walls to gain entry.
The inquiry also concluded that hospital staff had not received proper training to manage emergency situations, a deficiency that likely contributed to the severity of the incident.
Wide-Ranging Investigation Underway
The prime minister’s committee has been working under a strict timeline. The initial 48-hour period for preliminary findings is concluding today, with a comprehensive report expected within five days.
The scope of the investigation has been extensive:
- Statements recorded from over 30 employees, including the executive director, joint executive director, doctors, and nurses.
- Testimony taken from more than 18 security guards assigned to the children’s ward.
- Biometric records of on-duty staff at the time of the incident were examined.
- Fire brigade personnel and senior emergency management officials provided their accounts.
Parallel Investigations and Political Repercussions
The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has renewed its correspondence with relevant authorities regarding fire safety arrangements. Separately, a petition has been filed in the Islamabad High Court seeking the formation of a judicial commission to investigate the tragedy.
The PIMS administration has also constituted its own internal inquiry committee, which has taken custody of CCTV footage from the hospital nursery and reviewed reports from the fire brigade and emergency department.
The incident has sparked significant political fallout. The National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Health has demanded the suspension of doctors and staff on duty at the time, alongside calls for the resignation of Health Minister Mustafa Kamal.
Conflicting Accounts Raise Questions
Dr. Mahesh Kumar, who visited the hospital, highlighted discrepancies in the official narrative. He noted that initial reports attributed the fire to an air conditioner, but subsequent information revealed the unit was not operational at the time. Dr. Kumar questioned the consistency of staff statements, remarking that it appeared as though nurses had been coached to deliver identical accounts.
The investigation continues as authorities work to determine the precise cause of the fire and assign accountability for the failures that led to this tragedy.
