A fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences has left 14 newborns dead, sparking a high-level government investigation into hospital safety standards.
A devastating fire erupted at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad, resulting in the tragic deaths of at least 14 newborn infants. The blaze, which originated on the third floor of the facility's mother and child unit, has sent shockwaves through the nation. According to hospital officials, the fire was triggered re 15 infants housed within the ward, many of whom were reliant on incubators or oxygen support systems to survive.
While oxygen itself is not a combustible gas, experts note that its presence in medical environments can significantly accelerate fire growth, causing materials to burn with greater intensity and speed. This chemical reaction likely contributed to the rapid spread of the flames throughout the maternity ward. Only one infant was successfully rescued from the affected area, leaving grieving families to grapple with the aftermath of an event that has been described
In the wake of the tragedy, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has taken decisive action, ordering the suspension of Federal Secretary of Health Aslam Ghauri. The Prime Minister held a high-level emergency meeting to address the circumstances surrounding the fire, expressing profound anger and sorrow over the administrative failures that may have allowed the situation to escalate. Government statements emphasized that a thorough investigation is underway to determine how such a safety failure could occur in a major state-run hospital.
To ensure transparency, the Islamabad District Magistrate has established a fact-finding committee tasked with delivering a comprehensive report on the incident within a 24-hour window. The government has acknowledged the severity of the situation, with the Prime Minister's office stating that the loss of children in such a manner is a national tragedy that demands immediate accountability. These administrative steps are seen as a move to address public frustration regarding the maintenance and safety oversight of public health infrastructure.
Survivors and witnesses at the scene described harrowing conditions, characterized nt during the fire reported extreme confusion and a perceived delay in the emergency response. Some parents claimed that hours passed before professional rescue teams were able to reach the maternity ward, forcing families to take desperate measures to their children amidst the chaos.
For those who were inside the facility, the experience was traumatic. One witness recounted grabbing their newborn and fleeing the ward as smoke filled the corridors, hearing screams and witnessing the rapid destruction of the unit. While emergency responders were eventually able to evacuate 19 other individuals—including ten women, seven children, and two men—the damage to the nursery was already catastrophic. Police have since indicated that the intensity of the fire has made identification of the victims difficult, necessitating DNA testing before remains can be returned to their families.
The PIMS hospital is a vital healthcare provider in Islamabad, featuring a maternal and child health unit with over 150 beds. However, this incident has reignited a broader national conversation regarding the state of building safety and fire regulations in Pakistan. The country has struggled with a history of major fires in public and commercial spaces, often attributed to outdated building codes, a lack of regular safety inspections, and the inconsistent enforcement of existing fire prevention laws.
As authorities continue to patrol the perimeter of the hospital, where debris and medical supplies remain scattered, the public is demanding more robust oversight of state facilities. The tragedy serves as a grim reminder of the risks associated with aging infrastructure and the critical need for modernized fire suppression systems in high-density medical environments. As the investigation progresses, the focus remains on preventing a recurrence of this disaster and ensuring that hospitals—places of healing—are equipped to protect their most vulnerable patients.