The federal government has moved against senior officials following the tragic fire at Islamabad’s Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), where 14 newborns lost their lives in the neonatal nursery.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered the suspension of eight officials after receiving an interim investigation report examining the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The report raised serious concerns about the hospital’s preparedness, particularly its fire protection systems, emergency response and evacuation procedures.
Alongside the suspensions, the prime minister directed authorities to pursue both departmental and criminal proceedings where responsibility is established.
The government action extends across several positions at PIMS and related emergency services, placing senior hospital management and officials responsible for medical, security and emergency preparedness under scrutiny.
Those suspended include PIMS Executive Director Professor Dr Imran Sikandar, Neonatology Head Professor Dr Sadia Riaz, Joint Executive Directors Dr Mutahir Shah and Chaudhry Waris Ali Raza, along with Senior Registrar Dr Naghma.
The list also includes MCH Director Dr Nosheela Amjad, CDA Emergency Services Director General Dr Abdul Rehman and PIMS Assistant Director Security Muhammad Usman, as authorities move to determine institutional and individual responsibility.
The investigation into the August 26 fire has brought hospital safety standards into sharp focus. According to the interim findings, the neonatal ward lacked essential protective infrastructure that could have supported faster detection and response.
Investigators identified shortcomings including inadequate fire alarm and sprinkler arrangements, alongside concerns surrounding emergency response and evacuation measures. The technical cause of the blaze, however, has not yet been conclusively established.
With departmental and criminal proceedings ordered, the next phase will focus on determining who was responsible for the reported failures. The government has said those found accountable will face legal consequences.
The federal government has moved against senior officials following the tragic fire at Islamabad’s Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), where 14 newborns lost their lives in the neonatal nursery.
The federal government has moved against senior officials following the tragic fire at Islamabad’s Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), where 14 newborns lost their lives in the neonatal nursery.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered the suspension of eight officials after receiving an interim investigation report examining the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The report raised serious concerns about the hospital’s preparedness, particularly its fire protection systems, emergency response and evacuation procedures.
Alongside the suspensions, the prime minister directed authorities to pursue both departmental and criminal proceedings where responsibility is established.
The government action extends across several positions at PIMS and related emergency services, placing senior hospital management and officials responsible for medical, security and emergency preparedness under scrutiny.
Those suspended include PIMS Executive Director Professor Dr Imran Sikandar, Neonatology Head Professor Dr Sadia Riaz, Joint Executive Directors Dr Mutahir Shah and Chaudhry Waris Ali Raza, along with Senior Registrar Dr Naghma.
The list also includes MCH Director Dr Nosheela Amjad, CDA Emergency Services Director General Dr Abdul Rehman and PIMS Assistant Director Security Muhammad Usman, as authorities move to determine institutional and individual responsibility.
The investigation into the August 26 fire has brought hospital safety standards into sharp focus. According to the interim findings, the neonatal ward lacked essential protective infrastructure that could have supported faster detection and response.
Investigators identified shortcomings including inadequate fire alarm and sprinkler arrangements, alongside concerns surrounding emergency response and evacuation measures. The technical cause of the blaze, however, has not yet been conclusively established.
With departmental and criminal proceedings ordered, the next phase will focus on determining who was responsible for the reported failures. The government has said those found accountable will face legal consequences.
