Summary The fire broke out on the third floor of the Maternal and Child Health Ward early in the morning
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – At least 14 infants were killed after a fire breakout at a section of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) on Wednesday.
The fire broke out on the third floor of the Maternal and Child Health Ward early in the morning, reportedly due to a suspected short circuit. The district administration has confirmed the causalities in the fire incident.
In a post on X, Islamabad Chief Commissioner Sohail Ashraf Goraya confirmed the fire incident saying the officials received the emergency call at 6:54 am.
Emergency
— Sohail (@SohailAshrafGor) August 26, 2026
Fire Call
PIMS Hospital (MCH)
Call Time 0654
Rescue teams, AC Industrial area, police and myself immediately reached at site and controlled the fire. We shall keep you updated regarding casualty or any other news @CDAthecapital.
Later, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Islamabad Ali Nasir Rizvi also reached the spot to review the rescue and relief efforts.
Professor Imran Sikandar, an official of the hospital, said it is yet to determine how the fire started in the ward.
An investigation committee has been formed and it will be headed by an additional deputy commissioner general. The Director General of Capital Emergency Services and the Superintendent of Police (SP) City are also part of the committee. The Assistant Commissioner I-9 and the Director General of the Capital Development Authority (CDA) have also been included.The committee will determine the cause of the fire.
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Responsible will face strict action: Health Minister
Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal has confirmed that 14 children have died in the fire at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad.
Speaking about the incident, Kamal said the Director General Health and hospital secretary were present at the facility, while relevant authorities were in contact with the affected families. He added that he was travelling from Karachi to Islamabad following the incident.
The health minister said an investigation would be conducted and pledged that those responsible would face strict action, adding that he would also be held accountable if the inquiry found any fault on his part.
Kamal said hospital staff had gone to call rescue services after the fire broke out, but the blaze spread rapidly.
He said the fire-fighting equipment at the hospital was operational at the time of the incident.
PM removes health secretary
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has suspended and removed Federal Health Secretary Aslam Ghouri from his post following the tragic fire at the nursery of Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), which claimed the lives of 14 newborn babies.
The decision was taken during a high-level meeting chaired by the prime minister to review the PIMS fire incident. PM Shehbaz expressed strong displeasure over the performance of the relevant officials and ordered immediate action.
The prime minister also constituted a high-level inquiry committee to investigate the tragedy and determine responsibility for the deaths.
Former interior secretary Shahid Khan has been appointed head of the inquiry committee, while Secretary Establishment Dr Barrister Nabil Awan is among its members.
What the district administration says
According to the district administration, the fire broke out on the third floor of the MCH Ward at PIMS Hospital, prompting an immediate emergency response.
Rescue teams rushed to the hospital after being alerted to the incident. Six fire brigade vehicles and four ambulances participated in the rescue and relief operation.
Authorities said the blaze was brought under control and the children were subsequently shifted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
Condolences pour in
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed deep sorrow over death of 14 infants in fire incident at PIMS. He has ordered an immediate investigation into the matter, saying strict action will be taken against those responsible for the incident.
— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) August 26, 2026
President Asif Ali Zardari expressed profound grief and sorrow over the tragic fire incident at PIMS Hospital, Islamabad.
The president extends heartfelt condolences and sympathy to the bereaved families over the loss of newborn babies in the fire.
— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) August 26, 2026
The tragic deaths of newborn babies are an extremely heartbreaking and irreparable loss, he said.
In a post on X, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar wrote, “Deeply saddened and heartbroken by the tragic fire at the nursery of PIMS Hospital, in which 14 newborns lost their lives”.
Deeply saddened and heartbroken by the tragic fire at the nursery of PIMS Hospital, in which 14 newborns lost their lives.
— Ishaq Dar (@MIshaqDar50) August 26, 2026
My deepest condolences to the bereaved parents and families. No words can ease the pain of losing an innocent child. May Allah Almighty grant the families…
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also expressed deep grief and sorrow over the tragic incident in which 14 newborn babies lost their lives in a fire at PIMS Hospital.
— Ministry of Interior GoP (@MOIofficialGoP) August 26, 2026
Heartbreaking news that at least 14 infants sadly passed away following a terrible fire at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences. Our deepest condolences and thoughts are with the parents and families at this unimaginably difficult time.
— UK in Pakistan (@ukinpakistan) August 26, 2026
