PM Shehbaz Suspends Federal Health Secretary Over PIMS Tragedy
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif suspends Federal Health Secretary Aslam Ghauri as a high-level committee is constituted to investigate the PIMS nursery tragedy in Islamabad.
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has taken major administrative action following the deaths of newborn babies at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), suspending Federal Health Secretary Aslam Ghauri and ordering a high-level investigation into the tragedy.
Health Secretary Suspended
The action came as the prime minister chaired a high-level meeting to review the circumstances surrounding the incident at PIMS, Islamabad. According to information emerging from the meeting, the prime minister expressed strong displeasure over the handling of the matter and directed that responsibility be determined through a detailed inquiry.
Aslam Ghauri, the Federal Secretary for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, has been suspended and removed from his position with immediate effect, according to the latest information provided to Islamabad Tribune. Government records confirm that Ghauri had been serving as federal health secretary before Wednesday’s incident.
High-Level Inquiry Committee Formed
The prime minister has also constituted a high-level inquiry committee. According to the information provided, former interior secretary Shahid Khan will head the committee, while Establishment Secretary Dr Barrister Niaz Ahmed Awan is among its members. The committee is expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine responsibility.
14 Newborns Reported Dead in PIMS Fire
Earlier on Wednesday, at least 14 newborn babies were reported dead following a blaze in the Mother and Child Health facility at PIMS. Official and major international reports put the confirmed toll at 14, while investigations into the exact cause remain underway.
Separate Fact-Finding Probe Underway
The Islamabad administration had separately constituted a fact-finding committee to examine the cause and spread of the blaze, the hospital’s safety arrangements and the effectiveness of the emergency response.
Prime Minister Shehbaz had earlier directed authorities to immediately investigate the incident, identify those responsible and take strict action on the basis of the findings.
