ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and other political leaders have expressed deep grief over the tragic fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), which claimed the lives of 14 newborn babies on Wednesday morning.
President Zardari described the loss of innocent lives as “heartbreaking and an irreparable loss” and extended his condolences to the bereaved families. He directed the authorities to immediately investigate the incident, determine responsibility and take strict action against those found negligent.
The president also stressed the need to review and effectively enforce fire safety measures at healthcare facilities across the country to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also expressed profound sorrow over the deaths and conveyed his heartfelt sympathies to the grieving families. He said the loss of innocent newborns in such a tragedy was “irreparable” and ordered an immediate high-level investigation into the incident.
The prime minister directed the relevant authorities to thoroughly examine the circumstances that led to the fire and ensure that anyone found responsible is held accountable under the law.
Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal confirmed details of the incident, saying the fire spread rapidly due to the presence of combustible medical equipment and oxygen cylinders in the nursery. He expressed grief over the deaths and said a strict administrative audit of hospital safety protocols was underway to identify any systemic lapses.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif also expressed deep sorrow over the loss of the newborns and extended her sympathies to the grieving mothers and families. She described the deaths as unbearable and called for strict implementation of fire safety protocols at public and private healthcare facilities.
Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi expressed profound grief over the tragedy and offered prayers for the bereaved families. He said a transparent investigation would be conducted and those responsible for any negligence would be held accountable.
According to preliminary reports, the fire broke out at around 6:45am on the third floor of the MCH ward. The blaze was reportedly caused by an air-conditioner compressor explosion or a short circuit and quickly spread after coming into contact with oxygen supplies.
There were 15 infants in the nursery when the fire erupted. Emergency teams, supported by six fire engines and four ambulances, reached the hospital and brought the blaze under control.
Fourteen newborns lost their lives in the incident, while one infant was rescued by a duty doctor.
The Islamabad district administration has constituted an inquiry committee headed by the Additional Deputy Commissioner General to determine the exact cause of the fire and review the safety arrangements at the facility.