Fire erupts at Bannu hospital, patients rescued

A fire broke out in the Urology Ward of Khalifa Gul Nawaz Hospital in Bannu on Monday. No casualties were reported.

Rescue 1122 said its fire rescue team reached the hospital within about five minutes of receiving the emergency call.

The team immediately launched firefighting and rescue operations.

The fire was brought under control within around 10 minutes.

All patients in the affected ward were safely evacuated to a secure area, according to Rescue 1122.

Medical Teaching Institute Bannu spokesperson Mohammad Noman said the fire appeared to have started after an electrical spark.

Hospital staff responded quickly after the fire was detected. They began evacuating patients and trying to contain the blaze before Rescue 1122 arrived.

Noman said the quick response prevented the fire from spreading to other parts of the hospital.

He added that hospital staff had recently received special training in firefighting and emergency response.

The training was conducted after the deadly fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad.

Noman said the staff used their training during Monday’s incident. He credited their rapid response and coordination with Rescue 1122 for preventing a major accident.

The Bannu fire comes as authorities across Pakistan are reviewing fire-safety measures at hospitals and other public buildings.

The move follows the August 26 fire at PIMS, where 14 newborns died after a blaze broke out on the third floor of the Mother and Child Hospital.

The tragedy triggered public concern and calls for stronger fire-safety standards at healthcare facilities.

Authorities in several provinces have since increased inspections, ordered safety audits and directed public institutions to improve emergency preparedness.

In Sindh, a safety assessment of government hospitals found major gaps, including inadequate fire alarms, sprinklers and firefighting equipment.

Punjab has also ordered fresh safety checks at public and private hospitals. Authorities have been directed to review emergency exits, firefighting equipment, hydrants and electrical systems.

The Bannu incident has once again highlighted the importance of staff training, functioning firefighting equipment and rapid evacuation procedures in hospitals.