PM Shehbaz Orders Probe Into PIMS Nursery Tragedy
Prime Minister directs authorities to determine the cause of the Islamabad hospital incident, identify responsibility and take strict action based on the findings.
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday expressed profound grief over the deaths of 14 newborns in a fire at the nursery of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad and ordered an immediate investigation into the incident.
PM Directs Authorities to Determine Responsibility
According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office Media Wing on August 26, the premier took notice of the incident and directed authorities to conduct a detailed investigation into its circumstances, determine responsibility and take strict action against those found responsible.
The Prime Minister described the loss involving newborn children as irreparable and stressed that the factors behind the incident must be thoroughly examined.
He also extended condolences to the families of the newborns, saying the government shared their grief during what he described as a deeply painful moment.
Initial Reports Point to PIMS Nursery Fire
Separately, rescue officials cited in initial media reports said at least 14 newborns died after a fire broke out in the PIMS nursery on Wednesday morning.
Preliminary reports attributed the fire to an air-conditioning compressor incident, although the precise cause remains subject to the official investigation ordered by the government.
Investigation to Examine Cause and Responsibility
PIMS’ official information describes its Maternal and Child Health Centre as housing a 14-bed neonatal care unit, highlighting the importance of the facility for newborn care in the federal capital.
The investigation is expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident, including its cause and institutional responsibility.
No findings assigning responsibility had been announced in the material available at the time of publication.
