İslamabad'da Hastane Yangını: 14 Yenidoğan Yaşamını Yitirdi
Pakistan'ın başkenti İslamabad'daki Pakistan Tıp Bilimleri Enstitüsü (Pims) kadın doğum servisinde Çarşamba günü erken saatlerde yangın çıktı. İslamabad yönetiminin açıklamasına göre yangın, Anne ve Çocuk Hastanesi'nin üçüncü katında bulunan serviste meydana geldi. Olayda 14 yenidoğan hayatını kaybetti. Yangına altı itfaiye aracı ve dört ambulansla müdahale edildi. Yangının çıkış nedeni hakkında henüz resmi bir açıklama yapılmadı. Hastane yönetimi ve yetkililer olayla ilgili bilgi toplamaya devam ediyor.
Bağlam, hikayenin etrafındaki ülke + lider + komşu hikaye ağına dayanılarak AI tarafından üretildi. Olgu içerikleri için her zaman üstteki kaynak linklerine başvurun.
Bu gündemi takip et
Pakistan gelişmelerini kaçırma — ücretsiz kaydol, günlük brifinginde gör.
Zaman çizelgesi
en güncel: 03 Eyl- Güvenlik26 Ağu 04:44
14 newborns killed in fire at Pims' gynae ward in Islamabad
ISLAMABAD: Fourteen newborns were killed after a fire broke out at the gynaecology ward of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims) early on Wednesday. In a statement, the Islamabad administration said that the fire broke out on the third floor of the Mother and Child Hospital’s ward. It said that rescue teams rushed to the scene, with six fire brigade vehicles and four ambulances taking part in the rescue operation. “The fire was immediately brought under control and the children were immediately shifted to the intensive care unit,” it said, adding that 14 babies had died. It said that an inquiry committee headed by the additional deputy commissioner general had been formed to investigate the incident. Pims Spokesperson Dr Aneeza Jalil told Dawn that 15 babies were in the ward. Asked about the cause of the incident, she said that the fire — which erupted at 7am — appeared to have erupted due to a short circuit. “At least one baby was saved by a doctor,” she said. Malik Israr, whose niece was admitted to the gynae ward, told Dawn that it was unfortunate the nursery was housed in a building in which repair and renovation work was ongoing. “After the fire erupted, they told patients to vacate the building. Women who had just given birth had to rush down the stairs from the second floor,” he said. Pims, established in 1985, is Islamabad’s biggest public sector hospital. It is one of two of the oldest health facilities in the federal capital and comprises several hospitals and teaching institutes. This is a developing story that is being updated as the situation evolves. Initial reports in the media can sometimes be inaccurate. We will strive to ensure timeliness and accuracy by relying on credible sources, such as concerned, qualified authorities and our staff reporters.
- Güvenlik26 Ağu 05:00
14 infants killed in fire at Pims' gynae ward in Islamabad
ISLAMABAD: Fourteen infants were killed in a fire that broke out in the gynaecology ward of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims) early on Wednesday. Footage aired on television showed rescue workers using ladders and going through broken windows to access the affected area. In a statement, the Islamabad administration said that the fire broke out on the third floor of the Mother and Child Hospital’s ward. It said that rescue teams rushed to the scene, with six fire brigade vehicles and four ambulances taking part in the rescue operation. “The fire was immediately brought under control and the children were immediately shifted to the intensive care unit,” it said, adding that 14 children “were completely burnt”. It said that an inquiry committee headed by the additional deputy commissioner general had been formed to investigate the incident. Pims Spokesperson Dr Aneeza Jalil told Dawn that 15 babies were in the ward. Asked about the cause of the incident, she said that the fire — which erupted at 7am — appeared to have erupted due to a short circuit. “At least one baby was saved by a doctor,” she said. Malik Israr, whose niece was admitted to the gynae ward, told Dawn that it was unfortunate the nursery was housed in a building in which repair and renovation work was ongoing. “After the fire erupted, they told patients to vacate the building. Women who had just given birth had to rush down the stairs from the second floor,” he said. Pims, established in 1985, is Islamabad’s biggest public sector hospital. It is one of two of the oldest health facilities in the federal capital and comprises several hospitals and teaching institutes. This is a developing story that is being updated as the situation evolves. Initial reports in the media can sometimes be inaccurate. We will strive to ensure timeliness and accuracy by relying on credible sources, such as concerned, qualified authorities and our staff reporters.
- Güvenlik26 Ağu 08:31
'Heads must roll': Politicians, journalists demand accountability as Pims fire claims lives of 14 infants
Fourteen infants were killed on Wednesday morning in a fire at the gynaecology ward of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims), Islamabad’s premier public hospital. Health Minister Mustafa Kamal said that the incident occurred at 6:45am due to a “blast in the air conditioner” inside the ward and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif swiftly removed the federal health secretary as an inquiry was launched. However, the incident sparked outrage among politicians and journalists, who demanded accountability and termed it the outcome of “criminal negligence”. PPP leader Senator Sherry Rehman called the incident “beyond shocking” and held that it was a “deep stain of shame on the entire ministry and the rot within”. “This is where citizens are sent to heal in the federal capital?” Rehman asked as she called for justice for the lives lost. Awaam Pakistan leader and former finance minister Miftah Ismail called for a “full investigation” into the incident. “This is beyond tragic. This is criminal negligence. There should be full investigation and accountability and heads must roll,” he said. Journalist Fahd Husain said that the incident was “not just a tragedy but a crime committed by all those who are entrusted with running the hospital and their bosses”. He held that it was a “by-product of atrocious governance, criminal apathy and inefficient government machinery that is rotten to the core”. Assailing the authorities, Husain said that statements from leaders expressing “afsos” (grief) over the incident were nothing but “salt [in the] the wounds by these very people”. Tehreek-i-Tahaffuz Ayeen-i-Pakistan leader and former Senator Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar said PM Shehbaz taking notice of the fire was “simply not enough” as the incident was the result of “criminal negligence”. “Fourteen infants losing their lives in an incident which could have been prevented by better management and oversight, can’t be shrugged off,” Khokhar said. National Democratic Movement leader Bushra Gohar called for the hospital administration to be held accountable and for the health minister to accept responsibility and resign. “Compensation to grieving families cannot be used to silence them or substitute for justice. The families deserve accountability, transparency and justice not hush money,” she wrote. Dawn journalist Baqir Sajjad Syed said the children “were entrusted to the hospital for care and protection, not to lose their lives to a preventable tragedy”. He noted that the lack of safety measures and regulatory oversight made the loss “even more painful”. “Who can now remedy the agony of parents who lost their newborns?” he asked. “This is too tragic. Very painful,” said former Sindh governor Mohammad Zubair. “This government can’t even manage a hospital in Islamabad,” he said. Journalist Hasnaat Malik referred to a recent statement by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, saying: “We have been told that good governance would come through establishing small units. “But why there is no ‘good governance’ in Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT). Pims tragedy is the classic example of criminal negligence, bad governance and maladministration,” he said. “Fourteen infants have been burnt to death in a fire in Islamabad’s largest public sector hospital, in Pakistan’s capital and its premier showcase of modern urban life. Let that sink in,” said journalist Iftikhar Firdous. “Apathy cannot be repackaged as endurance and sold to the public after every national tragedy. Stop romanticising the suffering of your own people and fix the system,” he said. Journalist Yusra Askari said that no words, no visits and no compensation would give the bereaved families patience. “Those responsible for mammoth negligence have to be held accountable,” she said. Header image: An ambulance transporting the remains of a child drives past police following a fire outside the Mother and Child Health (MCH) ward at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) Hospital in Islamabad on August 26, 2026. — AFP
- Güvenlik26 Ağu 10:08
Timeline: Hospital fires reported in Pakistan since 2010
Fourteen infants were killed in a fire that broke out in the gynaecology ward of Islamabad’s Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims) on Wednesday morning. Fires in large buildings are frequent in Pakistan, often due to poor safety laws and building codes as well as lax enforcement. Here are some of the fire incidents reported in hospitals since 2010. November 9, 2025: A fire caused extensive damage to the emergency and dialysis section of the Syed Abdullah Shah Institute of Medical Sciences in Sehwan. No casualties occurred as the section was closed. October 18, 2025: A fire broke out in the basement of Ziauddin Hospital in Karachi’s Clifton. Officials said a timely response prevented any major material losses. June 8, 2024: Eleven infants died in the paediatric medicine ward of the Sahiwal Teaching Hospital due to a short circuit in the air conditioning system. February 11, 2024: Four hospital employees, including two paramedics, died after a fire erupted at the emergency department of Karachi’s Sindh Government Hospital Liaquatabad. Three other employees also sustained serious burn injuries. January 14, 2024: A fire erupted in Peshawar’s private Shireen Shah Hospital. No casualties were reported. May 27, 2023: A newborn died while another suffered burns after a fire erupted in the paediatric nursery of Lahore’s Children’s Hospital. September 23, 2022: A fire broke out on the second floor of the children’s ward of the Narowal District Headquarters Hospital, triggering the evacuation of 40 children and five women. September 5, 2022: Medical equipment and other goods were reduced to ashes after a fire erupted in an operating theatre at Lahore’s Jinnah Hospital. No injury was reported to any staff member or patient. June 9, 2022: Lahore’s Services Hospital administration closed down the Diabetic Management Centre after a fire gutted furniture, office records and other valuables. June 4, 2022: A massive fire erupted on the third floor of the outpatient department at the Children Hospital in Lahore, gutting medicines worth millions. January 17, 2022: A welder died while an employee suffered serious wounds when a fire broke out at a private hospital on Karachi’s M. A. Jinnah Road. August 6, 2021: A fire broke out at a children’s hospital in Larkana. No casualties were reported but the fire caused the hospital’s power supply to be suspended for about six hours. May 23, 2021: Fifteen children were affected at Sialkot’s Govt Sardar Begum Memorial Teaching Hospital when a room in the Covid-19 vaccination centre caught fire. March 7, 2021: A fire erupted in the paediatrics ward of Lahore’s Mayo Hospital, forcing the administration to shift patients to other wards. No loss of life or injury was reported. June 13, 2020: A woman died while eight others, including doctors, paramedics and patients, suffered minor injuries when a fire erupted in the operation theatre of the emergency ward at Services Hospital in Lahore. May 10, 2020: A fire broke out in the basement of the Rawalpindi Institute of Cardiology. The patients were shifted to different wards after thick smoke spread in the building. February 7, 2020: A fire in the physiotherapy department of Rawalpindi’s District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital reduced furniture to ashes and damaged machines. January 9, 2020: A newborn girl died when an incubator caught fire at Karachi’s National Institute of Child Health — the largest children’s hospital in Sindh. October 15, 2019: A fire broke out in the musafirkhana of Lahore’s Mayo Hospital, creating a stampede-like situation. No casualties were reported. June 6, 2018: A huge fire destroyed five residential quarters for doctors on the premises of Mansehra’s Garhi Habibullah Civil Hospital. No casualties were reported. August 3, 2017: Hundreds of patients, their attendants, doctors and paramedics had to be evacuated from Sialkot’s Allama Iqbal Memorial Teaching Hospital after a massive fire broke out in the facility’s luggage store. July 17, 2016: Twenty patients suffered serious burns when a fire broke out at a private hospital in Dadu after a gas cylinder exploded. February 10, 2014: A fire broke out in the basement of Multan’s Nishtar Hospital emergency ward. The smoke affected six patients and emergency services remained suspended for two-and-half-hours. July 13, 2013: A fire erupted in the paediatrics ward of Faisalabad’s Allied Hospital, affecting two minors. June 20, 2013: A fire broke out in the Angiography Laboratory of the Punjab Institute of Cardiology in Lahore, burning instruments worth thousands. June 7, 2012: At least four newborns died and 17 received burn injuries when a fire erupted in Lahore’s Services Hospital. February 20, 2012: Two surgical units, other costly equipment and furniture were reduced to ashes when a heavy fire broke out in the dental ward of Dadu’s Civil Hospital. November 19, 2010: At least six patients became unconscious while several others, including attendants and hospital staff, suffered minor respiratory problems after smoke engulfed the Intensive Care Unit of Lahore’s Mayo Hospital’s emergency block following a short circuit. October 5, 2010: A two-year-old boy and a man received burn injuries, while equipment worth over Rs30 million was damaged when a fire broke out in three operation theatres of Lahore’s Services Hospital.
- Güvenlik26 Ağu 10:10
No lessons learnt: A timeline of hospital fires reported in Pakistan since 2010
Fourteen infants were killed in a fire that broke out in the gynaecology ward of Islamabad’s Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims) on Wednesday morning. Fires in large buildings are frequent in Pakistan, often due to poor safety laws and building codes as well as lax enforcement. Here are some of the fire incidents reported in hospitals since 2010. November 9, 2025: A fire caused extensive damage to the emergency and dialysis section of the Syed Abdullah Shah Institute of Medical Sciences in Sehwan. No casualties occurred as the section was closed. October 18, 2025: A fire broke out in the basement of Ziauddin Hospital in Karachi’s Clifton. Officials said a timely response prevented any major material losses. June 8, 2024: Eleven infants died in the paediatric medicine ward of the Sahiwal Teaching Hospital due to a short circuit in the air conditioning system. February 11, 2024: Four hospital employees, including two paramedics, died after a fire erupted at the emergency department of Karachi’s Sindh Government Hospital Liaquatabad. Three other employees also sustained serious burn injuries. January 14, 2024: A fire erupted in Peshawar’s private Shireen Shah Hospital. No casualties were reported. May 27, 2023: A newborn died while another suffered burns after a fire erupted in the paediatric nursery of Lahore’s Children’s Hospital. September 23, 2022: A fire broke out on the second floor of the children’s ward of the Narowal District Headquarters Hospital, triggering the evacuation of 40 children and five women. September 5, 2022: Medical equipment and other goods were reduced to ashes after a fire erupted in an operating theatre at Lahore’s Jinnah Hospital. No injury was reported to any staff member or patient. June 9, 2022: Lahore’s Services Hospital administration closed down the Diabetic Management Centre after a fire gutted furniture, office records and other valuables. June 4, 2022: A massive fire erupted on the third floor of the outpatient department at the Children Hospital in Lahore, gutting medicines worth millions. January 17, 2022: A welder died while an employee suffered serious wounds when a fire broke out at a private hospital on Karachi’s M. A. Jinnah Road. August 6, 2021: A fire broke out at a children’s hospital in Larkana. No casualties were reported but the fire caused the hospital’s power supply to be suspended for about six hours. May 23, 2021: Fifteen children were affected at Sialkot’s Govt Sardar Begum Memorial Teaching Hospital when a room in the Covid-19 vaccination centre caught fire. March 7, 2021: A fire erupted in the paediatrics ward of Lahore’s Mayo Hospital, forcing the administration to shift patients to other wards. No loss of life or injury was reported. June 13, 2020: A woman died while eight others, including doctors, paramedics and patients, suffered minor injuries when a fire erupted in the operation theatre of the emergency ward at Services Hospital in Lahore. May 10, 2020: A fire broke out in the basement of the Rawalpindi Institute of Cardiology. The patients were shifted to different wards after thick smoke spread in the building. February 7, 2020: A fire in the physiotherapy department of Rawalpindi’s District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital reduced furniture to ashes and damaged machines. January 9, 2020: A newborn girl died when an incubator caught fire at Karachi’s National Institute of Child Health — the largest children’s hospital in Sindh. October 15, 2019: A fire broke out in the musafirkhana of Lahore’s Mayo Hospital, creating a stampede-like situation. No casualties were reported. June 6, 2018: A huge fire destroyed five residential quarters for doctors on the premises of Mansehra’s Garhi Habibullah Civil Hospital. No casualties were reported. August 3, 2017: Hundreds of patients, their attendants, doctors and paramedics had to be evacuated from Sialkot’s Allama Iqbal Memorial Teaching Hospital after a massive fire broke out in the facility’s luggage store. July 17, 2016: Twenty patients suffered serious burns when a fire broke out at a private hospital in Dadu after a gas cylinder exploded. February 10, 2014: A fire broke out in the basement of Multan’s Nishtar Hospital emergency ward. The smoke affected six patients and emergency services remained suspended for two-and-half-hours. July 13, 2013: A fire erupted in the paediatrics ward of Faisalabad’s Allied Hospital, affecting two minors. June 20, 2013: A fire broke out in the Angiography Laboratory of the Punjab Institute of Cardiology in Lahore, burning instruments worth thousands. June 7, 2012: At least four newborns died and 17 received burn injuries when a fire erupted in Lahore’s Services Hospital. February 20, 2012: Two surgical units, other costly equipment and furniture were reduced to ashes when a heavy fire broke out in the dental ward of Dadu’s Civil Hospital. November 19, 2010: At least six patients became unconscious while several others, including attendants and hospital staff, suffered minor respiratory problems after smoke engulfed the Intensive Care Unit of Lahore’s Mayo Hospital’s emergency block following a short circuit. October 5, 2010: A two-year-old boy and a man received burn injuries, while equipment worth over Rs30 million was damaged when a fire broke out in three operation theatres of Lahore’s Services Hospital.
- Güvenlik27 Ağu 04:16
Fury and grief as parents of Pakistan infant fire victims demand answers
Funerals have begun for the 14 babies who were killed in a fire at Islamabad’s Institute of Medical Sciences.
- Siyasi27 Ağu 14:16
Pims starts referring serious gynae cases to other Rawalpindi hospitals
ISLAMABAD: Following the tragic incident in which 14 babies died in a fire in a gynaecology ward on Wednesday, the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims) has made temporary arrangements to refer some serious gynaecological cases to Polyclinic and other hospitals in Rawalpindi, it emerged on Thursday. The fire, which Health Minister Mustafa Kamal said was caused by a “blast in the air conditioner” in the ward, drew widespread condemnation and grief. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif swiftly removed the federal health secretary on Wednesday as an inquiry was launched. A senior gynaecologist, who was not authorised to speak to the media, said the hospital had no refusal policy and that “all cases are accepted”. “However, as the nursery has been burned and it will take some time to renovate and carry out repair work, it has been decided to refer very serious cases to other hospitals,” she said. She noted that even on Thursday, there had been three or four deliveries in Pims which could be considered “serious” — but the hospital realised that other hospitals would not be able to take the load if it started referring every case. Health ministry to be run from Pims Newly appointed Health Secretary Capt (retd) Muhammad Mehmood, speaking to the media, said he had begun efforts to introduce new technology to address the issues. “The infrastructure should be as per international levels and governance should also be improved. I am new and do not understand the health sector, but my job is administration and I can do it,” he said. Mehmood said he would run the ministry from Pims and remain there most of the time to understand the problems faced by the hospital. When asked how this would work, he said it was the era of technology and “everything was possible”. “I can leave Pims to attend important meetings, such as those chaired by the prime minister, but will then return to Pims,” he said. The fire broke out on the third floor of the Mother and Child Hospital’s ward, and while it was initially suggested that a spark in the air conditioner could have led to the fire, the exact cause is yet to be ascertained. Witnesses said they waited hours for help from the emergency services, were forced to smash through windows to try and get to the neonatal intensive care unit and came across locked doors. Authorities, however, insist otherwise. On Thursday, the Punjab Healthcare Commission (PHC) issued urgent directives for the effective implementation of fire safety measures in public and private hospitals across Punjab. The PHC directed health departments, the Punjab Emergency Services Department and hospital managements to take immediate steps to ensure comprehensive arrangements for responding to fire and non-fire emergencies.
- Siyasi28 Ağu 02:33
Pims starts referring serious gynae cases to Polyclinic, hospitals in Rawalpindi
• Holy Family Hospital receives eight patients as MS says no rush in gynae, paediatrics wards • BBH ready to cope with patients ISLAMABAD: Following the incident in which 14 newborn babies died, the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims) has made temporary arrangements to refer serious gynaecological cases to Polyclinic and other hospitals in Rawalpindi. As many as seven gynaecological patients and a child were shifted from Pims to Holy Family Hospital (HFH). “We have a no-refusal policy, due to which all cases are accepted at the hospital. “However, as the nursery has been burnt and it will take some time to renovate and carry out repair work, it has been decided to refer very serious cases to other hospitals,” said a senior gynaecologist, who was not authorised to speak to the media. She said that even on Thursday, there had been three or four deliveries at Pims that could be considered serious, but the hospital realised that other hospitals could not take the load if Pims started referring every case. Newly-appointed Secretary Health Mohammad Mehmood, while talking to mediapersons, said that he had started efforts to bring in new technology to address the issues. “The infrastructure should be at an international level and governance should also be improved. I am new and do not understand the health sector, but my job is administration and I can do it. There are good and bad people in the hospital and they will give me suggestions. I have decided to sit in Pims so that I can understand the problems. I have additional charge of the health ministry and will try my best to address the issues,” he said. He said that he would run the ministry from Pims and remain at the hospital most of the time. When asked how it would be possible, Mr Mehmood said that it was the era of technology and everything was possible. “I can go out of Pims to attend important meetings, such as meetings chaired by the prime minister, but then again will come to Pims,” he said. Meanwhile, HFH Medical Superintendent Dr Ijaz Butt told Dawn that four female patients had been referred to the hospital by Pims management for treatment. He said there was no rush in the gynae and paediatrics wards of the hospital and they would manage the patients. He said the hospital had made special arrangements for the patients shifted from Pims and appointed an additional medical superintendent for coordination. He said the staff had been asked to admit patients coming from Pims. He said a special ward had been prepared to accommodate the patients, with doctors and nurses appointed to look after them. He said the hospital building had been constructed two years earlier and all the new equipment installed was in working condition. He said the latest mock exercise for fire safety was held on August 24 to train the staff by Rescue 1122. He said Wasa would install water hydrants at six points in the hospital, which had been lacking in the past. On the other hand, Benazir Bhutto Hospital (BBH) did not receive any patients. However, BBH Medical Superintendent Dr Sharjeel Sheikh told Dawn that a special desk had been formed to receive patients, but no patient had been referred so far. He said that for humanitarian purposes, he contacted the Dean of the Gynae and Paeds Department of Pims and asked them to shift the patients. He said the Pims administration thanked them and said it would send the patients. “We will deal only with emergency patients from Pims and in this regard, arrangements have been made in the emergency department,” he said. He said they had checked all the fire equipment in the hospital and found it to be in working condition. He said the hospital’s last mock exercise was held on August 8. Regarding water hydrants, he said Wasa had visited the hospital and recommended two points immediately and six more around the hospital in the coming days. Published in Dawn, August 28th, 2026
- Güvenlik28 Ağu 02:33
Hospital tragedy
WHERE does one begin? The mind goes first to the parents of the 14 newborns who died early Wednesday in the Mother and Child Health Ward of Islamabad’s Pims Hospital. The heart falters at the sheer scale of their loss. Their grief is shared across the country by people still struggling to comprehend how a tragedy of this magnitude was allowed to happen, and who must be held responsible. Multiple explanations have been offered for the fire: a short circuit, a spark, or an explosion involving an air-conditioning unit or its compressor. And every aspect of this incident unveils a new tragedy. Officials say the purified oxygen that should have been a lifeline for infants in respiratory distress instead accelerated the blaze dramatically. Within moments, the resulting inferno claimed the lives of 14 of the 15 babies in the ward. Eyewitnesses and parents described chaos: thick black smoke, shattered glass, locked or restricted doors, delayed rescue, and a near-total absence of proper evacuation protocols or functional fire-safety equipment. Some parents said they waited hours for help; official statements insisted fire tenders arrived within minutes of the emergency call. Rescue workers reported difficulty reaching the affected area. Hospital officials later acknowledged that the ward was routinely kept locked to prevent the theft of newborns. Clearly, there was no contingency plan for an emergency of this nature. And that, itself, is a damning indictment of the state of public hospitals. Equally frustrating has been the blame game that followed. Every stakeholder has been quick to point fingers even though few facts have been firmly established. The federal health secretary was swiftly suspended; scapegoated, many believe. But how far was he truly responsible? Is it fair, or even useful, to pin such disasters on individuals when the entire system remains broken? An inquiry committee has since been formed. That was necessary, and it is hoped that it will be able to diagnose the reasons that led to this tragedy. Yet, a much deeper reckoning is required. Removing a few officials will not prevent the next hospital fire. Pims is the largest and most prominent public hospital in the federal capital. It is the place where ordinary Pakistanis turn to in sickness, injury, and the hope of new life. Public hospitals in a country as populous as Pakistan need sustained resources and consistent support if they are to deliver even a basic standard of care and safety. Whether Pims ever received that support is a question that its administrators should be expected to answer. Until Pakistan stops chronically underspending on healthcare, the safety standards and quality of care in state-run hospitals cannot be expected to improve, and tragedies like this one will continue to claim lives. The bigger question is whether the authorities are ready to address that challenge. Published in Dawn, August 28th, 2026
- Siyasi28 Ağu 08:43
Pims fire: Mustafa Kamal says 'no one will be spared', calls for reforming health sector
Health Minister Mustafa Kamal on Friday vowed that “no one will be spared” while talking about fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims) that claimed the lives of 14 infants, adding that the country’s health sector needed to be reformed. Speaking in the Senate, Kamal said: “No one intends to spare or save anyone. I am saying this on behalf of the prime minister and the entire government that not a single person will be spared”. He said that the tragedy cannot be an “episode lasting merely a few days,” as he called for accountability and for efforts to prevent such incidents in the future. The minister warned against “suppressing the issue” and invited the House to work towards a way forward. “Look at your resources, management and actions and then involve everyone to suggest a way forward,” he said, assuring that the government will support such an approach. “This is a matter of children’s lives, and we are answerable to god for it. The ministry is nothing; we cannot ruin our afterlife for these ministries,” he remarked. At the outset of his address, the minister expressed sorrow at the loss of life. “There can be no explanation for this. I am holding myself responsible, and I have presented myself to be held accountable.” He called for a holistic approach toward investigating the incident, urging that any committee formed to probe should not be “time-bound and should remain open”. “When you go investigate this incident, you will find so many things associated with it,” he said, pointing to a larger “rot” within the sector. Kamal held that the health sector was not “ideal”. He explained that “400,000 children between the ages of one and five die every year; 1,300 die every day, and they are all dying preventable deaths”. He continued: “It is not possible to bring back the infants who died at Pims, but let us look at it as a test from God and protect the next kid from dying.” Kamal maintained that there was “no point” in making speeches if the government failed to learn from the incident. “Start from me,” Kamal said, offering himself up for accountability. He continued, “Sit with us and save the next from dying. I am putting the entire ministry at your disposal; every person will be answerable to you.” He noted that the system was “rotten” and went on to explain: “Where do I find a better person after removing an incompetent one? Everyone says remove one someone else’s thief and hire mine.” Kamal said that as the day ends today, “1300 children would have died across the country”. Speaking about the inquiry committee’s report, which he said will be presented by tonight, Kamal assured the House: “If you don’t trust it, fair enough [..] we will listen to you.” Rs5m compensation announced for affected families Earlier in the day, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry announced Rs5 million compensation for each family affected by the fire. Recalling Wednesday’s incident while speaking to the media at Pims, Chaudhry lamented that 14 infants had fallen victim to “someone’s criminal negligence”. He added that the prime minister had constituted an inquiry committee that was expected to present its report today, assuring that all those “on-duty individuals found guilty of negligence will be given exemplary punishment”. The minister said the grief of the affected families could not be compensated for. “Neither can their children be brought back, nor can their grief be reduced,” he added. “But to provide some relief […] the prime minister has announced that Rs5 million will be given to all the affected families.” Chaudhry said he was visiting Pims to hand over a cheque to one of the affected families on behalf of the prime minister, adding that the compensation amount would be deposited in the accounts of the deceased children’s mothers. “This is a small effort to share their sorrow,” he remarked. Responding to a question about demands for DNA tests of the bodies, he said most of the deceased children died in the incident not because they were burnt but because of suffocation due to smoke. “So all of them could be identified,” he said, adding that after birth, infants had tags with their mothers’ names on their arms. “So they were easily identified.” More to follow
- Siyasi29 Ağu 13:15
Inquiry findings will provide clarity on circumstances of Pims fire, says health minister
Health Minister Mustafa Kamal said on Saturday that the facts and findings of an inquiry committee formed on the prime minister’s orders would help clarify the circumstances surrounding the fire at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims) that claimed the lives of 14 infants. He made the remarks while speaking to the media after visiting the children’s ward at Pims alongside Parliamentary Affairs Minister Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry. The ministers reviewed the facilities and arrangements at the ward and received a briefing from the hospital administration on the healthcare services being provided to patients. Kamal said the government was awaiting the report of the inquiry committee constituted by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to determine responsibility for the deadly fire. “Let us wait for the report of the prime minister’s inquiry committee,” he said, adding that its findings would help clarify the circumstances surrounding the incident. The ministers also reviewed the overall situation at the hospital and discussed measures to improve patient care and hospital management. Deadly fire at Pims On Wednesday, 14 babies were killed after a fire erupted at the Mother and Child Healthcare Centre at Pims. According to a Pims statement, the incident was “initially caused by a spark inside the nursery at 06:38am”, and within seconds a massive fire erupted due to oxygen points at each incubator. It said two doctors and two nurses on duty responded immediately and called security staff, who tried twice to enter the nursery before a blast occurred and the ceilings collapsed. But, witnesses said they waited hours for emergency services and were forced to smash windows to reach the affected ward, while some alleged that doors were locked. The hospital and government later disputed claims of delays and locked emergency exits. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif formed a high-level inquiry committee to probe the incident and removed federal Health Secretary Muhammad Aslam Ghauri. Speaking in the Senate on Friday, Kamal said the tragedy could not become an “episode lasting merely a few days” and backed a parliamentary probe into the incident. He called for a wider investigation, saying it would expose a larger “rot” in the health sector. Calling the health system “rotten”, Kamal said the Pims deaths should become a basis for reforms to prevent similar tragedies. Responding to calls for his resignation, he said, “Let the investigation be completed. I have already taken action beyond what they are thinking.” The Senate unanimously passed a resolution seeking a special committee to investigate the fire, while the National Assembly also called for an impartial inquiry and strict action over negligence or safety lapses. The government has announced Rs5 million compensation for each affected family. The tragedy has since sparked widespread outrage and calls for accountability, with the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on National Health Services also demanding answers from the Pims administration over possible negligence and safety lapses.
- Siyasi29 Ağu 14:55
Pims fire: PM Shehbaz orders suspension of 8 officials as inquiry panel submits interim report
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday approved an inquiry committee’s recommendation to suspend eight individuals and initiate action against them as the panel presented its interim report on the fire at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims) that claimed the lives of 14 infants. A statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office said the premier made the decision as he chaired a high-level meeting on the matter in Lahore. Earlier in the day, Health Minister Mustafa Kamal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry visited the children’s ward at Pims. Speaking to the media, he expressed the hope that findings of the inquiry committee would help clarify the circumstances surrounding the fire. During the visit, the ministers met the families who lost their children in the tragedy. Kamal and Chaudhry conveyed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s condolences and sympathies to the bereaved families, while also expressing their own heartfelt condolences and deep sorrow over the loss. “This is an extremely tragic and heartbreaking incident that cannot be adequately expressed in words,” Kamal said. “We have come to share the pain and grief of the affected mothers and stand by them in this difficult time,” he said. “The pain of a mother losing her child is a tragedy beyond words. There is no substitute for precious human lives, and the children who lost their lives cannot be brought back,” Kamal added. He said the government and the entire nation stood with the affected families and shared their grief during the difficult time. During their visit to Pims, the ministers reviewed the facilities and arrangements at the children’s ward and received a briefing from the hospital administration on the healthcare services being provided to patients. Kamal said the government was awaiting the report of the inquiry committee constituted by PM Shehbaz to determine responsibility for the deadly fire. “Let us wait for the report of the prime minister’s inquiry committee,” he said, adding that its findings would help clarify the circumstances surrounding the incident. The ministers also reviewed the overall situation at the hospital and discussed measures to improve patient care and hospital management. Later, they visited an affected family at their home in Rawalpindi, where Kamal presented cheques worth Rs5 million to the two families on behalf of the government. “This financial assistance can in no way compensate for their loss,” he said, adding that it was only a gesture by the government to stand by the families and share in their responsibility. Kamal said a complete and impartial investigation into the incident was under way. “Strict action will be taken against those found responsible for this tragic incident,” he added. ‘There is only one committee’ Kamal, speaking on Geo News programme ‘Capital Talk’ on Friday, rejected reports that three inquiry committees had been formed to investigate the fire at Pims, saying that only the panel constituted by the prime minister would probe the incident. “There is only one committee formed by PM Shehbaz,” he said. He said Shahid Khan was heading the committee investigating the incident. “It has been 24 hours; another 24 hours are left. They have to submit their report by tomorrow evening,” he said. The health minister added that the inquiry report would be submitted to the prime minister, who had constituted the committee and enjoyed the government’s full trust. “Whatever its recommendations are, they must be implemented. Other than that, the entire exercise is useless,” he said. “We will leave no stone unturned in implementing this committee’s recommendations and orders — whether an ED is named or anyone else,” he added. Asked whether he had submitted his handwritten resignation to Prime Minister Shehbaz and whether the premier had refused to accept it, Kamal replied: “If you know this much, why are you asking me?” Deadly fire at Pims On Wednesday, 14 babies were killed after a fire erupted at the Mother and Child Healthcare Centre at Pims. According to a Pims statement, the incident was “initially caused by a spark inside the nursery at 06:38am”, and within seconds a massive fire erupted due to oxygen points at each incubator. It said two doctors and two nurses on duty responded immediately and called security staff, who tried twice to enter the nursery before a blast occurred and the ceilings collapsed. But, witnesses said they waited hours for emergency services and were forced to smash windows to reach the affected ward, while some alleged that doors were locked. The hospital and government later disputed claims of delays and locked emergency exits. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif formed a high-level inquiry committee to probe the incident and removed federal Health Secretary Muhammad Aslam Ghauri. Speaking in the Senate on Friday, Kamal said the tragedy could not become an “episode lasting merely a few days” and backed a parliamentary probe into the incident. He called for a wider investigation, saying it would expose a larger “rot” in the health sector. Calling the health system “rotten”, Kamal said the Pims deaths should become a basis for reforms to prevent similar tragedies. Responding to calls for his resignation, he said, “Let the investigation be completed. I have already taken action beyond what they are thinking.” The Senate unanimously passed a resolution seeking a special committee to investigate the fire, while the National Assembly also called for an impartial inquiry and strict action over negligence or safety lapses. The government has announced Rs5 million compensation for each affected family. The tragedy has since sparked widespread outrage and calls for accountability, with the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on National Health Services also demanding answers from the Pims administration over possible negligence and safety lapses.
- Siyasi29 Ağu 15:14
PM Shehbaz orders suspension of Pims executive director, 7 others as inquiry panel submits interim report on fire
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday ordered the suspension of and criminal action against eight officials, including the executive director (ED) of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims), over a fire at the hospital that claimed the lives of 14 infants. A statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office said the premier made the decision based on an inquiry committee’s recommendations in its interim report, which was presented during a high-level meeting in Lahore. The eight individuals are namely Pims ED Dr Rana Imran Sikander, Joint Executive Directors Dr Mutahir Shah and Dr Chaudhry Awais Ali Shah, head of neonatal department Prof Dr Sadia Riaz, senior registrar Dr Nagham, Dr Naushila Amjad, Pims Security Assistant Director Mohammad Usman, and Dr Abdulrehman, the director general of the Emergency Services of the Capital Development Authority (CDA). The prime minister specifically directed that not only departmental action be taken against those identified, but criminal action under the relevant laws be also undertaken, the PMO noted. Earlier in the day, Health Minister Mustafa Kamal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry visited the children’s ward at Pims. Speaking to the media, he expressed the hope that findings of the inquiry committee would help clarify the circumstances surrounding the fire. During the visit, the ministers met the families who lost their children in the tragedy. Kamal and Chaudhry conveyed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s condolences and sympathies to the bereaved families, while also expressing their own heartfelt condolences and deep sorrow over the loss. “This is an extremely tragic and heartbreaking incident that cannot be adequately expressed in words,” Kamal said. “We have come to share the pain and grief of the affected mothers and stand by them in this difficult time,” he said. “The pain of a mother losing her child is a tragedy beyond words. There is no substitute for precious human lives, and the children who lost their lives cannot be brought back,” Kamal added. He said the government and the entire nation stood with the affected families and shared their grief during the difficult time. During their visit to Pims, the ministers reviewed the facilities and arrangements at the children’s ward and received a briefing from the hospital administration on the healthcare services being provided to patients. Kamal said the government was awaiting the report of the inquiry committee constituted by PM Shehbaz to determine responsibility for the deadly fire. “Let us wait for the report of the prime minister’s inquiry committee,” he said, adding that its findings would help clarify the circumstances surrounding the incident. The ministers also reviewed the overall situation at the hospital and discussed measures to improve patient care and hospital management. Later, they visited an affected family at their home in Rawalpindi, where Kamal presented cheques worth Rs5 million to the two families on behalf of the government. “This financial assistance can in no way compensate for their loss,” he said, adding that it was only a gesture by the government to stand by the families and share in their responsibility. Kamal said a complete and impartial investigation into the incident was under way. “Strict action will be taken against those found responsible for this tragic incident,” he added. ‘There is only one committee’ Kamal, speaking on Geo News programme ‘Capital Talk’ on Friday, rejected reports that three inquiry committees had been formed to investigate the fire at Pims, saying that only the panel constituted by the prime minister would probe the incident. “There is only one committee formed by PM Shehbaz,” he said. He said Shahid Khan was heading the committee investigating the incident. “It has been 24 hours; another 24 hours are left. They have to submit their report by tomorrow evening,” he said. “Whatever its recommendations are, they must be implemented. Other than that, the entire exercise is useless,” he said. “We will leave no stone unturned in implementing this committee’s recommendations and orders — whether an ED is named or anyone else,” he added. Asked whether he had submitted his handwritten resignation to PM Shehbaz and whether the premier had refused to accept it, Kamal replied: “If you know this much, why are you asking me?” Deadly fire at Pims On Wednesday, 14 babies were killed after a fire erupted at the Mother and Child Healthcare Centre at Pims. According to a Pims statement, the incident was “initially caused by a spark inside the nursery at 06:38am”, and within seconds a massive fire erupted due to oxygen points at each incubator. It said two doctors and two nurses on duty responded immediately and called security staff, who tried twice to enter the nursery before a blast occurred and the ceilings collapsed. But, witnesses said they waited hours for emergency services and were forced to smash windows to reach the affected ward, while some alleged that doors were locked. The hospital and government later disputed claims of delays and locked emergency exits. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif formed a high-level inquiry committee to probe the incident and removed federal Health Secretary Muhammad Aslam Ghauri. Speaking in the Senate on Friday, Kamal said the tragedy could not become an “episode lasting merely a few days” and backed a parliamentary probe into the incident. He called for a wider investigation, saying it would expose a larger “rot” in the health sector. Calling the health system “rotten”, Kamal said the Pims deaths should become a basis for reforms to prevent similar tragedies. Responding to calls for his resignation, he said, “Let the investigation be completed. I have already taken action beyond what they are thinking.” The Senate unanimously passed a resolution seeking a special committee to investigate the fire, while the National Assembly also called for an impartial inquiry and strict action over negligence or safety lapses. The government has announced Rs5 million compensation for each affected family. The tragedy has since sparked widespread outrage and calls for accountability, with the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on National Health Services also demanding answers from the Pims administration over possible negligence and safety lapses.
- Siyasi29 Ağu 15:35
Pims fire: PM Shehbaz orders suspension, criminal action against 8 officials as inquiry panel submits interim report
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday ordered the suspension of and criminal action against eight officials, including the executive director (ED) of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims), over a fire at the hospital that claimed the lives of 14 infants. A statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office said the premier made the decision based on an inquiry committee’s recommendations in its interim report, which was presented during a high-level meeting in Lahore. The eight individuals are namely Pims ED Dr Rana Imran Sikander, Joint Executive Directors Dr Mutahir Shah and Dr Chaudhry Awais Ali Shah, head of neonatal department Prof Dr Sadia Riaz, senior registrar Dr Nagham, Dr Naushila Amjad, Pims Security Assistant Director Mohammad Usman, and Dr Abdulrehman, the director general of the Emergency Services of the Capital Development Authority (CDA). The prime minister specifically directed that not only departmental action be taken against those identified, but criminal action under the relevant laws be also undertaken, the PMO noted. Issuing directions for indiscriminate criminal action, the prime minister also approved action against the company tasked with security and its officers. The premier ordered that National Institutes of Health Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr Mohammad Salman be appointed as the acting executive director of Pims. He further said that the individuals removed from their roles be replaced with new appointees immediately. The prime minister appointed another nurse present in the ward and a female guard as officers on special duty (OSDs), and directed further investigation of the incident. He also directed the immediate public release of the inquiry committee’s preliminary report, PMO said, adding that the document will be published on the health ministry’s website shortly. PM Shehbaz also approved a Sitara-i-Khidmat award and Rs1 million for nurse Razia Noreen who “saved a child without regard for her own life”, the PMO noted. Hospital officials said there were 15 newborn babies in the ward at the time of the fire, one of which was saved. The premier paid tribute to the nurse, lauding her for saving the child “a few moments before destruction due to the fire”. “Razia Noreen has provided the finest proof of responsibility and humanity. The entire nation, including myself, takes pride in Nurse Razia Noreen for risking her own life to save the child. No amount of praise is enough for such dutiful individuals,” he was quoted as saying. During the meeting, CCTV footage of around two minutes of the incident was also shown, the PMO statement said. Ministers visit Pims Earlier in the day, Health Minister Mustafa Kamal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry visited the children’s ward at Pims. Speaking to the media, he expressed the hope that findings of the inquiry committee would help clarify the circumstances surrounding the fire. During the visit, the ministers met the families who lost their children in the tragedy. Kamal and Chaudhry conveyed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s condolences and sympathies to the bereaved families, while also expressing their own heartfelt condolences and deep sorrow over the loss. “This is an extremely tragic and heartbreaking incident that cannot be adequately expressed in words,” Kamal said. “We have come to share the pain and grief of the affected mothers and stand by them in this difficult time,” he said. “The pain of a mother losing her child is a tragedy beyond words. There is no substitute for precious human lives, and the children who lost their lives cannot be brought back,” Kamal added. He said the government and the entire nation stood with the affected families and shared their grief during the difficult time. During their visit to Pims, the ministers reviewed the facilities and arrangements at the children’s ward and received a briefing from the hospital administration on the healthcare services being provided to patients. Kamal said the government was awaiting the report of the inquiry committee constituted by PM Shehbaz to determine responsibility for the deadly fire. “Let us wait for the report of the prime minister’s inquiry committee,” he said, adding that its findings would help clarify the circumstances surrounding the incident. The ministers also reviewed the overall situation at the hospital and discussed measures to improve patient care and hospital management. Later, they visited an affected family at their home in Rawalpindi, where Kamal presented cheques worth Rs5 million to the two families on behalf of the government. “This financial assistance can in no way compensate for their loss,” he said, adding that it was only a gesture by the government to stand by the families and share in their responsibility. Kamal said a complete and impartial investigation into the incident was under way. “Strict action will be taken against those found responsible for this tragic incident,” he added. ‘There is only one committee’ Kamal, speaking on Geo News programme ‘Capital Talk’ on Friday, rejected reports that three inquiry committees had been formed to investigate the fire at Pims, saying that only the panel constituted by the prime minister would probe the incident. “There is only one committee formed by PM Shehbaz,” he said. He said Shahid Khan was heading the committee investigating the incident. “It has been 24 hours; another 24 hours are left. They have to submit their report by tomorrow evening,” he said. “Whatever its recommendations are, they must be implemented. Other than that, the entire exercise is useless,” he said. “We will leave no stone unturned in implementing this committee’s recommendations and orders — whether an ED is named or anyone else,” he added. Asked whether he had submitted his handwritten resignation to PM Shehbaz and whether the premier had refused to accept it, Kamal replied: “If you know this much, why are you asking me?” Deadly fire at Pims On Wednesday, 14 babies were killed after a fire erupted at the Mother and Child Healthcare Centre at Pims. According to a Pims statement, the incident was “initially caused by a spark inside the nursery at 06:38am”, and within seconds a massive fire erupted due to oxygen points at each incubator. It said two doctors and two nurses on duty responded immediately and called security staff, who tried twice to enter the nursery before a blast occurred and the ceilings collapsed. But, witnesses said they waited hours for emergency services and were forced to smash windows to reach the affected ward, while some alleged that doors were locked. The hospital and government later disputed claims of delays and locked emergency exits. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif formed a high-level inquiry committee to probe the incident and removed federal Health Secretary Muhammad Aslam Ghauri. Speaking in the Senate on Friday, Kamal said the tragedy could not become an “episode lasting merely a few days” and backed a parliamentary probe into the incident. He called for a wider investigation, saying it would expose a larger “rot” in the health sector. Calling the health system “rotten”, Kamal said the Pims deaths should become a basis for reforms to prevent similar tragedies. Responding to calls for his resignation, he said, “Let the investigation be completed. I have already taken action beyond what they are thinking.” The Senate unanimously passed a resolution seeking a special committee to investigate the fire, while the National Assembly also called for an impartial inquiry and strict action over negligence or safety lapses. The government has announced Rs5 million compensation for each affected family. The tragedy has since sparked widespread outrage and calls for accountability, with the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on National Health Services also demanding answers from the Pims administration over possible negligence and safety lapses.
- İnsani30 Ağu 02:01
Distinction for Pakistani hospital
ISLAMABAD: Shifa International Hospitals has stated that it has achieved the highest number of Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditations in Pakistan. A hospital spokesman said the recognitions demonstrated Pakistan’s ability to meet globally recognised standards of healthcare quality and patient safety. He said the JCI accreditation of Shifa Enterprise reflected the organisation’s commitment to maintaining consistent standards of quality, patient safety, clinical excellence and evidence-based care across its facilities and services. “The key achievement is the JCI accreditation of Shifa Ambulance Service (SAS), making it the first ambulance service in Pakistan to receive the prestigious international accreditation. The recognition marks an important milestone in emergency and pre-hospital care and highlights the importance of quality and patient safety from the moment a patient receives emergency care,” he said. Published in Dawn, August 30th, 2026
- Güvenlik31 Ağu 04:18
High-rises sealed, three capital hospitals fined over fire safety violations
ISLAMABAD: Following the recent tragic incident at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims), where 14 newborn babies died in a fire, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) has intensified enforcement of fire and life safety regulations across Islamabad, sealing several high-rise buildings and partially sealing two hotels in Blue Area while imposing fines on three hospitals. The CDA imposed a fine of Rs500,000 each on Pims, Polyclinic and its own Capital Hospital for “non-compliance with Fire and Life Safety Requirements”. As part of the enforcement operation in Blue Area, the CDA sealed Shaheed-i-Millat Building, State Life Building, Trade Development Authority of Pakistan Building and Beverly Centre. Teams were also inspecting the National Insurance Company Limited building until the filing of this report. Action follows Pims fire that killed 14 newborns as civic agency intensifies inspections, enforcement Two hotels in Blue Area were partially sealed, with further intake of guests stopped. “Yes, today we have sealed several high-rise buildings in Blue Area, besides partially sealing two hotels. Fines of Rs500,000 each were also imposed on Pims, Polyclinic and CDA’s own hospital,” a CDA official said. An official pastes a ‘sealed’ notice on the State Life Building in Islamabad on Sunday. — White Star The official added that teams had moved towards F-11 to seal an apartment building owned by a politician. “We have reached F-11 and after a while, high-rise apartment buildings owned by a politician will be sealed for non-compliance with rules, despite issuance of several notices,” he said. In a press release, the CDA said it had intensified enforcement of fire and life safety standards across Islamabad, making it clear that the protection of human lives would remain its “topmost priority”. The civic agency said it had sealed Shaheed-i-Millat Secretariat, State Life Building and Trade Development Authority of Pakistan Building in Blue Area following non-compliance with fire safety observations issued earlier by the CDA’s Fire & Emergency Services Directorate. “Chairman CDA Sohail Ashraf has directed the concerned formations of CDA to adopt a zero-tolerance approach towards serious fire safety violations and ensure strict compliance with safety standards,” the press release said. It added that the chairman had emphasised that no building, institution or organisation could be permitted to compromise people’s lives and safety by ignoring essential fire prevention and emergency response requirements. According to the CDA, its Fire & Emergency Services Directorate had been conducting inspections of buildings to identify deficiencies relating to fire prevention, emergency exits, firefighting arrangements, evacuation preparedness and other essential life safety measures. The Building Control Section of the CDA had been advised to rectify identified deficiencies within the prescribed timeframe, the press release said. The CDA chairman also directed relevant departments to maintain close monitoring of fire safety compliance and ensure that safety observations were followed by effective corrective measures. The chairman said fire safety was a collective responsibility, adding that timely installation and maintenance of firefighting equipment, clear emergency exits, proper evacuation arrangements and compliance with safety protocols could save lives during an emergency. “Protection of human lives is the first and foremost responsibility. No compromise will be made on fire and life safety,” the CDA statement said. Meanwhile, the Islamabad High Court was approached against the alleged non-implementation of fire safety laws. A citizen, Malik Naveed Ashiq Awan, through his counsel Advocate Afrasiab Ahmed Rana, filed a petition before the IHC, making the federation, CDA chairman, chief commissioner, Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad (MCI), Higher Education Commission (HEC), Private Educational Regulatory Authority (Pera), Federal Directorate of Education (FDE) and Islamabad Food Authority, among others, respondents. The petitioner contended that 14 newborn babies were burnt alive in a fire at Pims on August 26, raising serious questions about fire safety arrangements at one of the capital’s largest public hospitals. The petition stated that Pims itself allegedly did not have a fire safety no-objection certificate (NOC) from the relevant fire department. It further alleged that several commercial, educational and medical buildings across Islamabad were operating without mandatory fire safety NOCs. Published in Dawn, August 31st, 2026
- Güvenlik31 Ağu 04:37
Pakistani nurse to be honoured for saving newborn from deadly hospital fire
A Pakistani nurse who rescued the sole surviving newborn from a hospital nursery fire that killed 14 other infants will receive one of the country’s most prestigious civil awards. Fire engulfed Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, a major government hospital in Islamabad, on Wednesday. A 51-second segment of CCTV footage, widely circulated online, captures Razia Noreen running into the burning nursery and emerging seconds later with the newborn in her arms. She tries to go back in, but cannot...
- Güvenlik31 Ağu 04:39
High-rises sealed, three Islamabad hospitals fined over fire safety violations
ISLAMABAD: Following the recent tragic incident at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims), where 14 newborn babies died in a fire, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) has intensified enforcement of fire and life safety regulations across Islamabad, sealing several high-rise buildings and partially sealing two hotels in Blue Area while imposing fines on three hospitals. The CDA imposed a fine of Rs500,000 each on Pims, Polyclinic and its own Capital Hospital for “non-compliance with Fire and Life Safety Requirements”. As part of the enforcement operation in Blue Area, the CDA sealed Shaheed-i-Millat Building, State Life Building, Trade Development Authority of Pakistan Building and Beverly Centre. Teams were also inspecting the National Insurance Company Limited building until the filing of this report. Action follows Pims fire that killed 14 newborns as civic agency intensifies inspections, enforcement Two hotels in Blue Area were partially sealed, with further intake of guests stopped. “Yes, today we have sealed several high-rise buildings in Blue Area, besides partially sealing two hotels. Fines of Rs500,000 each were also imposed on Pims, Polyclinic and CDA’s own hospital,” a CDA official said. An official pastes a ‘sealed’ notice on the State Life Building in Islamabad on Sunday. — White Star The official added that teams had moved towards F-11 to seal an apartment building owned by a politician. “We have reached F-11 and after a while, high-rise apartment buildings owned by a politician will be sealed for non-compliance with rules, despite issuance of several notices,” he said. In a press release, the CDA said it had intensified enforcement of fire and life safety standards across Islamabad, making it clear that the protection of human lives would remain its “topmost priority”. The civic agency said it had sealed Shaheed-i-Millat Secretariat, State Life Building and Trade Development Authority of Pakistan Building in Blue Area following non-compliance with fire safety observations issued earlier by the CDA’s Fire & Emergency Services Directorate. “Chairman CDA Sohail Ashraf has directed the concerned formations of CDA to adopt a zero-tolerance approach towards serious fire safety violations and ensure strict compliance with safety standards,” the press release said. It added that the chairman had emphasised that no building, institution or organisation could be permitted to compromise people’s lives and safety by ignoring essential fire prevention and emergency response requirements. According to the CDA, its Fire & Emergency Services Directorate had been conducting inspections of buildings to identify deficiencies relating to fire prevention, emergency exits, firefighting arrangements, evacuation preparedness and other essential life safety measures. The Building Control Section of the CDA had been advised to rectify identified deficiencies within the prescribed timeframe, the press release said. The CDA chairman also directed relevant departments to maintain close monitoring of fire safety compliance and ensure that safety observations were followed by effective corrective measures. The chairman said fire safety was a collective responsibility, adding that timely installation and maintenance of firefighting equipment, clear emergency exits, proper evacuation arrangements and compliance with safety protocols could save lives during an emergency. “Protection of human lives is the first and foremost responsibility. No compromise will be made on fire and life safety,” the CDA statement said. Meanwhile, the Islamabad High Court was approached against the alleged non-implementation of fire safety laws. A citizen, Malik Naveed Ashiq Awan, through his counsel Advocate Afrasiab Ahmed Rana, filed a petition before the IHC, making the federation, CDA chairman, chief commissioner, Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad (MCI), Higher Education Commission (HEC), Private Educational Regulatory Authority (Pera), Federal Directorate of Education (FDE) and Islamabad Food Authority, among others, respondents. The petitioner contended that 14 newborn babies were burnt alive in a fire at Pims on August 26, raising serious questions about fire safety arrangements at one of the capital’s largest public hospitals. The petition stated that Pims itself allegedly did not have a fire safety no-objection certificate (NOC) from the relevant fire department. It further alleged that several commercial, educational and medical buildings across Islamabad were operating without mandatory fire safety NOCs. Published in Dawn, August 31st, 2026
- Güvenlik31 Ağu 06:01
High-rises sealed, 3 Islamabad hospitals fined over fire safety violations
ISLAMABAD: Following the recent tragic incident at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims), where 14 newborn babies died in a fire, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) has intensified enforcement of fire and life safety regulations across Islamabad, sealing several high-rise buildings and partially sealing two hotels in Blue Area while imposing fines on three hospitals. The CDA imposed a fine of Rs500,000 each on Pims, Polyclinic and its own Capital Hospital for “non-compliance with Fire and Life Safety Requirements”. As part of the enforcement operation in Blue Area, the CDA sealed Shaheed-i-Millat Building, State Life Building, Trade Development Authority of Pakistan Building and Beverly Centre. Teams were also inspecting the National Insurance Company Limited building until the filing of this report. Action follows Pims fire that killed 14 newborns as civic agency intensifies inspections, enforcement Two hotels in Blue Area were partially sealed, with further intake of guests stopped. “Yes, today we have sealed several high-rise buildings in Blue Area, besides partially sealing two hotels. Fines of Rs500,000 each were also imposed on Pims, Polyclinic and CDA’s own hospital,” a CDA official said. An official pastes a ‘sealed’ notice on the State Life Building in Islamabad on Sunday. — White Star The official added that teams had moved towards F-11 to seal an apartment building owned by a politician. “We have reached F-11 and after a while, high-rise apartment buildings owned by a politician will be sealed for non-compliance with rules, despite issuance of several notices,” he said. In a press release, the CDA said it had intensified enforcement of fire and life safety standards across Islamabad, making it clear that the protection of human lives would remain its “topmost priority”. The civic agency said it had sealed Shaheed-i-Millat Secretariat, State Life Building and Trade Development Authority of Pakistan Building in Blue Area following non-compliance with fire safety observations issued earlier by the CDA’s Fire & Emergency Services Directorate. “Chairman CDA Sohail Ashraf has directed the concerned formations of CDA to adopt a zero-tolerance approach towards serious fire safety violations and ensure strict compliance with safety standards,” the press release said. It added that the chairman had emphasised that no building, institution or organisation could be permitted to compromise people’s lives and safety by ignoring essential fire prevention and emergency response requirements. According to the CDA, its Fire & Emergency Services Directorate had been conducting inspections of buildings to identify deficiencies relating to fire prevention, emergency exits, firefighting arrangements, evacuation preparedness and other essential life safety measures. The Building Control Section of the CDA had been advised to rectify identified deficiencies within the prescribed timeframe, the press release said. The CDA chairman also directed relevant departments to maintain close monitoring of fire safety compliance and ensure that safety observations were followed by effective corrective measures. The chairman said fire safety was a collective responsibility, adding that timely installation and maintenance of firefighting equipment, clear emergency exits, proper evacuation arrangements and compliance with safety protocols could save lives during an emergency. “Protection of human lives is the first and foremost responsibility. No compromise will be made on fire and life safety,” the CDA statement said. Meanwhile, the Islamabad High Court was approached against the alleged non-implementation of fire safety laws. A citizen, Malik Naveed Ashiq Awan, through his counsel Advocate Afrasiab Ahmed Rana, filed a petition before the IHC, making the federation, CDA chairman, chief commissioner, Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad (MCI), Higher Education Commission (HEC), Private Educational Regulatory Authority (Pera), Federal Directorate of Education (FDE) and Islamabad Food Authority, among others, respondents. The petitioner contended that 14 newborn babies were burnt alive in a fire at Pims on August 26, raising serious questions about fire safety arrangements at one of the capital’s largest public hospitals. The petition stated that Pims itself allegedly did not have a fire safety no-objection certificate (NOC) from the relevant fire department. It further alleged that several commercial, educational and medical buildings across Islamabad were operating without mandatory fire safety NOCs. Published in Dawn, August 31st, 2026
- Siyasi31 Ağu 08:19
IHC chief justice seeks copy of inquiry report on fire at Pims, details of action taken
ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has sought the report submitted to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on the fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims) and details of the action taken, while also questioning the culpability of the hospital’s executive director (ED). Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfaraz Dogar passed the directions while hearing two separate petitions related to the Pims tragedy. During the hearing of a petition filed by lawyer Qasim Iqbal Jalali seeking a judicial inquiry into the incident, Additional Attorney General (AAG) Rashid Hafeez, Deputy Attorney General Faisal Irfan and Assistant Attorney General Azmat Bashir Tarar appeared before the court. Justice Dogar termed the Pims fire a “terrible incident” and observed that the loss of 14 children was extremely serious. The petitioner’s counsel argued that the government had constituted committees comprising bureaucrats, questioning how the officials of one department could conduct an inquiry into their own colleagues. “How can bureaucrats inquire into their own department?” the counsel asked. The chief justice questioned the legal basis of the request for a judicial inquiry, asking the lawyer under which law the court could order such an inquiry and where the Inquiry Act empowered the IHC to issue such directives. The counsel referred to the commission constituted after the Punjab Institute of Cardiology incident. The chief justice observed that the said commission had not been constituted by the court, adding that such matters fell within the government’s domain. “If there is any matter with us, I will ask one of my judges to look into it,” Justice Dogar remarked. The counsel maintained that “no one can be the judge of his own actions” and argued that responsibility had not been fixed in the inquiry report submitted so far. AAG Hafeez informed the court that the health secretary had been suspended on the day of the incident, while hospital officials had subsequently been suspended on the basis of an interim inquiry report. Justice Dogar again termed the incident extremely tragic and asked whether any action was still being taken and whether there was any restriction preventing the court from passing an order. The court sought the report submitted to the prime minister, along with details of the action taken so far and directed the federation to submit a detailed response. A separate petition also sought removal of the Pims ED from office — who has already been suspended — and action over the tragedy. The petitioner’s counsel highlighted the conditions at the hospital and questioned the utilisation of its massive budget. The counsel told the court that the deaths of the children were horrific and requested that the Pims ED be removed from his post. “How can the court give a direction to remove him from the post?” Chief Justice Dogar asked. The counsel contended that Pims has an annual budget of around Rs20 to Rs22 billion, yet several children were being accommodated on a single bed. He questioned where the budget was being spent and urged the court to order the executive director’s removal and return his services to his parent department. The chief justice observed that he believed the Pims ED had already been removed from the post, referring to the prime minister’s orders to suspend Prof Dr Imran Sikandar and seven others. National Institutes of Health (NIH) Chief Executive Officer Dr Mohammad Salman has taken charge of the post after being appointed as the acting Pims ED. The counsel replied that although the ED had been removed, no responsibility had been fixed against him and he had not been held responsible in the inquiry report either. AAG Hafeez told the court that the report currently available was only an interim report and that the complete inquiry report would be submitted within five days. The chief justice specifically asked whether responsibility had so far been fixed against the Pims ED. The court sought a report on the matter and adjourned the hearing. CDA response sought over alleged lack of safety NOCs Separately, the IHC has sought a response from the federal capital’s administration over the alleged non-implementation of fire safety laws and regulations in Islamabad. Justice Dogar heard the petition filed by citizen Malik Naveed Ashiq Awan through his counsel, Advocate Afrasiab Ahmed Rana. The petition was filed in the wake of the Pims incident. The petitioner contended that even a major healthcare facility such as Pims did not have the requisite fire department no-objection certificate (NOC). The petition further alleged that commercial, educational and medical buildings across Islamabad were operating without fire safety NOCs and that several buildings lacked essential fire-fighting equipment, emergency exits and fire alarms. The petitioner pleaded that the Islamabad Fire Prevention and Life Safety Regulations 2010 should be implemented in letter and spirit. The petition sought directions for an immediate fire safety audit of all buildings in the federal capital and the sealing of buildings operating without valid fire safety NOCs. It also sought the establishment of a regular inspection mechanism to identify and monitor buildings that are illegal or pose a threat to public safety. The court issued notices to the home secretary, Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad (MCI), and the offices of the Capital Development Authority (CDA) chairman and Islamabad chief commissioner — both roles served by retired Lt Sohail Ashraf — seeking their responses. The petition maintained that the Pims fire had exposed serious shortcomings in the enforcement of fire safety regulations and called for immediate institutional action to prevent similar incidents in the future. Following the Pims incident, CDA intensified enforcement of fire and life safety regulations across Islamabad, sealing several high-rise buildings and partially sealing two hotels in Blue Area. It also imposed a fine of Rs500,000 each on Pims, Polyclinic and its own Capital Hospital for “non-compliance with Fire and Life Safety Requirements”.
- Siyasi31 Ağu 16:55
NA, Senate committees question probe into deadly Pims fire
ISLAMABAD: Standing committees of both houses of parliament on Monday questioned the probe into the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims) fire that killed 14 infants, raising concerns over incomplete CCTV footage and the disputed number of infants present in the nursery. The inquiry committee established to investigate the deadly hospital fire had submitted its interim report to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday, after which the premier ordered the suspension of and criminal action against eight officials. Furthermore, the health ministry accepted the resignation of Islamabad Healthcare Regulatory Authority (IHRA) Chairman Dr Riaz Shahbaz Janjua. In his resignation, Dr Janjua said that some developments and circumstances had affected the autonomy of the authority. He said that, under the prevailing circumstances, it was not possible for him to perform his responsibilities independently and effectively. Dr Janjua was appointed as a member of the IHRA board in October 2024. He was then unanimously elected as its chairman. In his resignation letter, he said he had worked hard despite having limited human resources. NA committee questions executive director appointment The National Assembly Standing Committee on Health, chaired by MNA Mahesh Kumar Malani, was not satisfied with the report prepared by the inquiry committee. “We have called this meeting regarding the Pims tragedy because we are not satisfied with the report of the committee constituted by the prime minister,” Malani said. He also directed the media not to record videos of the committee proceedings. Health Minister Mustafa Kamal, however, defended the inquiry and invited members to raise their objections. Shazia Soomro questioned why the NA’s standing committee had not been properly briefed about the circumstances of the incident. “We visited the site but proper briefing was not given, due to which we don’t have a clear picture,” she said. Malani pointed out that the CCTV footage was incomplete and called for the complete footage to be presented. He said the missing footage from inside the nursery was very important, adding that, in the available footage, a nurse could be seen entering the nursery, but it did not show what happened inside. Malani also questioned the responses given by the former executive director (ED) of Pims, saying that the officer had failed to provide satisfactory answers. The committee was told that nurses said they were looking after the babies and had not noticed the source of the spark. The members also raised questions about the possible role of oxygen in the incident. Committee Chairman Malani sought technical evidence regarding the fire and blast. Malani demanded a report from the biomedical engineering department and asked when the nursery’s last inspection had been conducted. He also claimed that the inquiry committee had failed to verify the exact number of babies present in the nursery at the time of the incident, citing some media reports that there were 15 babies in the ward. The chair stressed that the standing committee had representation from all political parties and that its members would examine the matter beyond party lines. Kamal said the prime minister had constituted the inquiry committee at around 4pm on the day of the incident. “Four people were included in the [inquiry] committee,” he said, adding that the health ministry had not conducted a separate investigation after the inquiry committee submitted its report. The standing committee also raised serious questions over the appointment of the new ED of Pims. Malani questioned whether a pathologist could effectively run the country’s largest public-sector hospital. He also said that the Pims Act stipulated that the ED should be appointed from within Pims. Kamal explained that the appointment had been made by the Prime Minister’s Office and that a relaxation of the relevant legal provision had been granted. However, he said, “the new ED will not be able to work”. Kamal has been vocal about his belief that government employees cannot run departments. At the standing committee meeting, MNA Aalia Kamran also expressed reservations about the inquiry process, saying no one had politically accepted responsibility for the tragedy. Senate committee condemns lack of safety reports The Senate Standing Committee on Health, under the chairmanship of Senator Amir Waliuddin Chishti, reviewed the adequacy of medical, paediatric and emergency care, fire safety arrangements, administrative and systemic deficiencies, accountability measures, patient safety and measures to prevent such incidents in the future. The meeting was attended by Senators Syed Masroor Ahsan, Rubina Khalid, Nadeem Ahmed Bhutto and Nasir Mehmood, while Senator Shahzaib Durrani participated through a Zoom link. MNA Sabeen Ghauri also attended the meeting as a special invitee. The committee visited the Pims nursery and raised serious concerns over the absence of fire alarms and the reported closure of emergency exits. Members also expressed displeasure over construction materials placed outside the labour room, observing that such obstructions could pose serious risks to patients and staff. The chairman directed the Pims administration to immediately remove all materials creating hurdles in hospital wards and access points. During a detailed briefing, the Pims administration stated that the situation had been managed within a few minutes. However, committee members questioned the availability of duty staff, including doctors, at the time of the incident and observed that the presence of adequate staff could potentially have helped evacuate and save the infants. Health Minister Kamal informed the committee that, according to the preliminary inquiry report, the fire spread within approximately 120 seconds, resulting in the tragic loss of lives. He also informed the committee of an earlier fire incident at the Pims nursing hostel in July 2026, which he said he had only learned about after the Wednesday fire. The Senate committee unanimously resolved to scrutinise the inquiry committee’s report and called for a comprehensive, impartial and technically sound investigation into the incident. Members observed that established fire safety protocols had not been adequately followed and that no regular fire drills had been conducted. They added that the relevant authorities had failed to carry out the necessary inspection visits. The committee emphasised the need to clearly separate administrative and clinical responsibilities in public hospitals. Members expressed concern over officials holding multiple additional charges and doctors being assigned administrative responsibilities, stressing that hospital administration should be managed by qualified professionals with relevant expertise. Members asked whether there was a well-maintained register tracking safety reports. The committee also questioned the IHRA over the reported absence of inspection visits to Pims over the last two years. Members raised concerns over the composition and functioning of the IHRA board, while the Senate committee chairman directed Kamal to review and reform the regulatory mechanism and board composition. The committee also expressed serious dissatisfaction over the performance and coordination of the relevant authorities, including the Capital Development Authority (CDA), rescue authorities, civil defence, Pims administration and IHRA. The committee further said that legislation would be enacted to prevent such incidents in the future.
- Güvenlik01 Eyl 04:23
CDA launches crackdown on hospitals not complying with fire safety standards
ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has launched a crackdown on hospitals and health facilities for not complying with fire safety standards. CDA has challaned 48 hospitals, and healthcare centres for non-compliance with fire and life safety measures. “Following inspections and notices issued by the CDA, 48 hospitals, clinics and other healthcare facilities have been challaned for non-compliance with prescribed fire and life safety requirements. The total amount of challans issued is Rs14 million,” said an official of civic agency. Besides, Pims , Polyclinic and CDA hospital, the other hospitals, which were fined, included KRL Hospital, NESCOM Hospital, NOORI Hospital, MCH Medical Center. The list carries majority of private hospitals as well. Pindi police also move into action Rawalpindi police reviewed safety measures, including the installation of firefighting equipment, at all police stations and offices of police officials. Following the recent tragedy, the Punjab government ordered an immediate review of fire safety systems, firefighting equipment and emergency response facilities at hospitals. Superintendent of Police (SP) Security Asghar Ali Goraya has directed the SPs of the Rawal, Potohar and Saddar divisions, SDPOs and SHOs of all police stations to ensure the installation of firefighting equipment in their respective offices to cope with any emergency situation. Additionally, if fire extinguishers or other firefighting equipment have already been placed in their offices and police stations, the SP has instructed them to share photographs of the equipment with the SSP Operations group. If fire safety equipment or fire extinguishers have not been installed, or are dysfunctional, in police offices, the officials must install the required safety equipment and send a report to the SSP Operations and SP Security. Strict departmental action would be taken against those responsible for any delay, according to the SP Security guidelines. Since each police station and other police establishment faces extraordinary fire risks, well-planned fire protection systems are required to protect police personnel, infrastructure, holding cells and crime victims. Weapons and ammunition storage areas, surveillance rooms, radio equipment, record rooms and police lockups are high-security areas with flammable risks, requiring urgent fire safety measures at all police stations and other establishments and a continuous fire protection system. When SP Security Asghar Ali Goraya was contacted and asked about details of fire safety equipment installed in police stations and offices, he said he had already sought detailed reports from all the SPs and SDPOs in this regard. Published in Dawn, September 1st, 2026
- Siyasi02 Eyl 17:47
Pims fire: PM Shehbaz reiterates no leniency for officials found negligent in their duties
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday chaired an emergency meeting on health affairs and the fire at the gynaecology ward of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims), reiterating that no leniency would be shown to officials found negligent in their duties. “No leniency will be shown to officials found guilty of criminal negligence,” the premier vowed. Fourteen infants were killed in the fire early last Wednesday, with lawmakers in both houses of parliament demanding accountability. Health Minister Mustafa Kamal assured that those responsible would “not be spared”. During the meeting, the premier also directed the health minister and health secretary to be physically present at Pims on alternate days and oversee the implementation of measures to improve the hospital’s facilities. The prime minister was briefed on matters related to the health sector, including a detailed briefing on the ongoing investigation into the fire. Health Minister Kamal, Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema, Health Secretary Captain (retd) Muhammad Mahmood and Pims Executive Director Dr Muhammad Salman attended the meeting. The meeting was informed that, in light of the interim investigation report, steps were being taken to ensure that PM Shehbaz’s decisions were implemented. Prime Minister Shehbaz also directed that improved medical and treatment facilities be provided at Pims and that all necessary safety measures be fully implemented. He further ordered that the process of health-sector reforms be expedited. Last Saturday, the inquiry committee established to investigate the deadly hospital fire had submitted its interim report to PM Shehbaz, after which the premier ordered the suspension of and criminal action against eight officials. The eight individuals named in the report are former Pims executive director Prof Dr Imran Sikandar — who was removed from his post after the incident; Prof Dr Sadia Riaz, head of neonatology at Children Hospital, Pims; Dr Nagham, senior registrar in the neonatology department; Dr Mutahir Shah, joint executive director, MCH; Ch Waris Ali Raza, joint executive director (non-medical), Pims; Dr Nosheela Amjad, director, MCH; Dr Abdul Rehman, director general, CES, CDA; and Muhammad Usman, assistant director (security). The prime minister specifically directed that those identified by the inquiry committee face not only departmental action but also criminal proceedings under the relevant laws, the Prime Minister’s Office said. However, standing committees in both houses of parliament questioned the probe on Monday, raising concerns over incomplete CCTV footage and the disputed number of infants present in the nursery. The National Assembly Standing Committee on Health, chaired by MNA Mahesh Kumar Malani, was not satisfied with the report prepared by the inquiry committee. “We have called this meeting regarding the Pims tragedy because we are not satisfied with the report of the committee constituted by the prime minister,” Malani said. Kamal, however, defended the inquiry and invited members to raise their objections. The Senate Standing Committee on Health, under the chairmanship of Senator Amir Waliuddin Chishti, reviewed the adequacy of medical, paediatric and emergency care, fire safety arrangements, administrative and systemic deficiencies, accountability measures, patient safety and measures to prevent such incidents in the future. The committee visited the Pims nursery and raised serious concerns over the absence of fire alarms and the reported closure of emergency exits. Members also expressed displeasure over construction materials placed outside the labour room, observing that such obstructions could pose serious risks to patients and staff. The chairman directed the Pims administration to immediately remove all materials creating hurdles in hospital wards and access points.
- Güvenlik03 Eyl 14:52
'A daughter of the nation': PM Shehbaz lauds courage of Pims nurse Razia Noreen during hospital fire
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday praised the courage of a nurse who saved an infant from a deadly fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims) that killed 14 babies last week. The fire early last Wednesday drew shock and horror across the country with lawmakers in both houses of parliament demanding accountability. Footage from the incident showed that a nurse, Razia Noreen, entered the nursery at around 6:39am and emerged seconds later carrying a baby, rescuing the child. She then attempted to re-enter the nursery shortly afterwards. The prime minister met with Noreen personally at the PM House in Islamabad, where the nurse recounted how she discovered the fire and her efforts to save the children in the maternity ward. In a conversation at the PM House, the premier lauded the nurse, saying that the whole nation was not only praising her courage and bravery but was proud of her. “You are truly a daughter of the nation,” he told her, adding that her actions would be recorded in history. The nurse recounted that while preparing medication, she shut the medicine cabinet to suddenly catch sight of the fire. “I threw the cabinet door shut and rushed inside,” she said, adding, “I didn’t even think about it.” Noreen said that she had also told another nurse to “save the kids”, who had conducted rescue efforts outside the ward where there were more babies and their mothers. “Post-natal mothers have undergone operations,” she said. “She immediately tried to rescue them … she knew that I was inside and would do something.” Noting that the fire was very strong, she rescued one of the smaller babies and brought him outside to leave “in safe hands” with someone she knew. “When Dr Abdul Rehman came out, I handed [the baby] over and rushed back inside,” she said, but added that as she was rescuing the second baby, a sudden blast caused a blackout. PM Shehbaz reiterated that the whole nation was paying tribute to the nurse’s actions and added, “The mother of the child you saved will bless you.” Noreen stressed that it was her “responsibility” to act, as nurses were given the responsibility of taking care of others’ children. She also expressed that she wished she could have saved the remaining children. The premier noted that on March 23, the nurse would be given the Sitara-i-Khidmat and Rs10 million for her service. Noreen thanked PM Shehbaz and expressed her gratitude for bestowing such an honour on her. PM Shehbaz had earlier approved the award and a cash reward for the nurse, who had “saved a child without regard for her own life”, according to the PMO. “Razia Noreen has demonstrated an exceptional sense of responsibility and humanity. The entire nation, including myself, is proud of Nurse Razia Noreen for risking her own life to save the child. Such dutiful individuals cannot be praised enough,” he was quoted as saying.
Okumaya devam et
ilgili gelişmeler- Aynı ülke gündemicanlı
Barrister Gohar says opposition, govt representatives to hold meeting tomorrow
Pakistan26 olay1 sa önce - Aynı ülke gündemicanlı
PM Shehbaz discusses country's security and political situation with President Zardari
Pakistan3 olay4 sa önce - Aynı ülke gündemicanlı
PM Shehbaz, Fazl speak on reducing tensions between Centre, KP govt
Pakistan1 olay5 sa önce - Aynı ülke gündemicanlı
CDF Munir reaffirms Pakistan’s commitment to international peace in meeting with UN chief
Pakistan2 olay12 sa önce - Aynı ülke gündemicanlı
Mounting public health challenges blamed on Karachi’s ill-planned growth
Pakistan1 olay14 sa önce - Aynı ülke gündemicanlı
Listening before legislating
Pakistan1 olay14 sa önce