PIMS Tragedy: IHC Petition Seeks FIA Probe, Removal of PIMS ED
Petitioner asks Islamabad High Court to order an investigation into the deaths of 14 newborns, secure CCTV footage and other relevant records, and remove PIMS Executive Director Dr Rana Imran Sikandar from his post and service.
ISLAMABAD: A petition has been filed in the Islamabad High Court (IHC) seeking the removal of Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) Executive Director Dr Rana Imran Sikandar and an investigation by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) into the hospital fire that claimed the lives of 14 newborn babies.
Federal Government, PIMS and FIA Named as Respondents
The petition, filed by a lawyer, has named the federal government, Ministry of National Health Services, PIMS executive director, FIA, Capital Development Authority (CDA) and other relevant authorities as respondents.
Petitioner Seeks Investigation Into Responsibility
According to the petition, the court has been requested to order an investigation to determine responsibility for the incident and identify individuals whose actions or omissions may have contributed to it.
Court Asked to Preserve CCTV and Other Evidence
The petitioner has also sought directions for authorities to take custody of CCTV footage and all other relevant records from PIMS to ensure that potential evidence connected with the incident is preserved.
Petition Seeks Removal of PIMS Executive Director
In a significant part of the plea, the petitioner has asked the court to direct that PIMS Executive Director Dr Rana Imran Sikandar be removed from his position and service. The request is part of the relief sought by the petitioner and does not constitute a finding by the court against the official.
FIA Investigation Sought Into PIMS Fire
The petition further seeks an FIA investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident and asks the court to ensure that responsibility is determined through an independent investigative process.
PIMS Fire Triggers Mounting Safety Scrutiny
The latest legal move comes amid mounting scrutiny of safety arrangements at PIMS following the August 26 fire at the hospital’s Mother and Child Health Centre. Multiple credible reports confirm that 14 newborn babies died in the incident.
CDA Report Identifies Fire-Safety Shortcomings
An official CDA fire report subsequently identified shortcomings in fire-safety arrangements and said emergency exits were found locked or obstructed, while questions were also raised about the emergency response.
Government Already Conducting Fact-Finding Inquiry
The federal government has already initiated a fact-finding process into the incident. Separately, the Islamabad High Court had earlier been approached through another petition seeking a judicial investigation and an audit of PIMS’ fire-safety system.
Petition Prayers Remain Subject to Court Proceedings
The fresh petition’s prayers including the removal of the executive director, an FIA investigation, and determination of responsibility remain requests before the court and should not be construed as judicial findings or proof of wrongdoing.
