PIMS Nursery Tragedy: Shahid Khan-Led Committee Starts Investigation
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif suspends Federal Health Secretary Aslam Ghouri during emergency meeting, orders a high-level investigation and vows strict action against those found responsible.
ISLAMABAD: A high-level inquiry committee constituted by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has begun its work to investigate the PIMS nursery tragedy, as the federal government moves to determine the circumstances behind the incident and fix responsibility.
Shahid Khan to Head Federal Inquiry
Former federal interior secretary Shahid Khan has been named head of the high-level inquiry committee. Reports also identify Establishment Secretary Dr Barrister Nabeel Awan among its members. The committee is expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident and identify any administrative or institutional lapses.
The development followed an emergency high-level meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to review the incident at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad.
Federal Health Secretary Suspended
During the meeting, the prime minister expressed strong displeasure over the performance of the officials concerned and ordered the immediate suspension and removal of Federal Health Secretary Aslam Ghouri.
The suspension and removal have also been confirmed by the state-run Associated Press of Pakistan.
14 Newborns Died in PIMS Fire
The tragedy occurred early Wednesday in the nursery at PIMS, where 14 newborn babies died, according to APP and international reporting. Authorities have launched investigations into the circumstances and safety arrangements surrounding the incident.
PM Calls for Accountability
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep sorrow over the loss of the newborns and extended condolences to their families.
He said the circumstances leading to the incident must be thoroughly investigated, responsibility established and strict action taken against those found responsible.
The prime minister said the government shared the grief of the affected families and prayed for patience and strength for the bereaved parents.
Separate Islamabad Administration Probe
The high-level federal inquiry is separate from an eight-member committee constituted by the Islamabad district administration to investigate the incident and determine its technical causes.
