ISLAMABAD: Federal Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal reportedly submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif within hours of the deadly fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), but the premier declined to accept it, according to highly informed sources.
The August 26 tragedy at PIMS’ Mother and Child Health Centre resulted in the deaths of 14 newborn babies and triggered widespread concern over fire safety, emergency preparedness and accountability at the hospital.
According to the sources, Kamal formally submitted his resignation in writing shortly after the incident. However, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif asked him to remain in office until the inquiry committee completed its investigation and responsibility for the tragedy was determined.
The minister was also reportedly advised not to make his resignation public while the inquiry remained underway.
Government takes action after PIMS tragedy
The reported resignation comes as the government has taken action against senior officials following the submission of an interim inquiry report into the fire.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered the suspension of eight officials, including the PIMS Executive Director and senior officials associated with the Children’s Hospital and Mother and Child Health Centre. Criminal proceedings were also ordered against those found responsible.
The interim inquiry identified significant weaknesses in PIMS’s emergency preparedness. Investigators found that the neonatal nursery lacked sufficiently detailed and regularly practised procedures for responding to fires and evacuating newborns.
The report also recommended additional technical and forensic investigations to establish the exact source and cause of the fire.
Mustafa Kamal continues to defend accountability
Despite the reported resignation, Mustafa Kamal has continued to publicly support the investigation and accountability process.
Addressing the Senate, the health minister said the PIMS tragedy should not disappear from public attention after only a few days. He also called for accountability and wider reforms in Pakistan’s health sector.
Kamal has not publicly confirmed the reported resignation. When contacted for comment, he did not respond to messages seeking confirmation.
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar and senior officials associated with the Prime Minister’s Office were also contacted, but they said they had no information regarding any such resignation.
The development adds another dimension to the government’s response to the PIMS tragedy, as authorities continue investigating the circumstances that led to the deaths of 14 newborns.
