The formal inquiry into the tragic fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad has begun after 14 newborns reportedly died in the neonatal ward. An inquiry committee headed by former Interior Secretary Shahid Khan visited the hospital to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident and assess the emergency response.
The investigation is expected to establish a detailed timeline, including when the fire started, how hospital staff responded, when emergency services were contacted and how long it took for firefighting resources to reach the hospital. A senior government official claimed that the 14 newborns had died nearly an hour before a fire brigade water tanker arrived, raising serious questions about emergency preparedness and response.
The committee will also examine whether PIMS had adequate firefighting equipment, functioning emergency systems and clear evacuation procedures. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the committee to submit its report within 15 days.
The PIMS fire tragedy has raised wider concerns about safety standards in public-sector hospitals and accountability within the federal healthcare system. Authorities are expected to determine whether negligence or violations of safety protocols contributed to the deaths and whether disciplinary or legal action should follow.
