PIMS fire: Govt suspends senior officers, reshuffles hospital management

Minute Mirror has obtained copies of 15 notifications dated August 29, 2026, issued by the Ministry of National Health Services. The orders include the suspension of senior PIMS officials

ISLAMABAD: In a major administrative action following the tragic fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), the federal government has suspended several officers and issued fresh posting orders for key positions at the hospital on the directions of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

Minute Mirror has obtained copies of 15 notifications dated August 29, 2026, issued by the Ministry of National Health Services. The orders include the suspension of senior PIMS officials and the appointment or assignment of new officers to ensure continuity of hospital operations.

The action follows an interim inquiry into the fire at the PIMS Children’s Nursery on August 26, which resulted in the deaths of 14 newborns. The inquiry reportedly identified serious administrative and operational shortcomings in the management of the facility.

Among those suspended is Prof. Dr. Rana Imran Sikandar, Executive Director PIMS, along with Joint Executive Director Ch. Waris Ali Raza, Professor and Head of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Dr. Nosheela Amjad, Deputy Executive Director Dr. Mutahir Shah, Associate Professor of Paediatrics Dr. Saadia Riaz, Senior Registrar Dr. Nagam Nawaz and Assistant Director Security Muhammad Usman.

Two other staff members, Charge Nurse Ms. Nasreen and Lady Security Staff member Ms. Maria, have been directed to report to the PIMS Human Resources Department and remain in the administrative pool until further orders.

The suspended officials have been placed under suspension for an initial period of 120 days with immediate effect under the applicable Civil Servants (Efficiency and Discipline) Rules.

To maintain the functioning of the hospital, the ministry has simultaneously made a series of new appointments and assigned additional or current charges to senior medical and administrative officers.

Dr. Muhammad Salman, Chief Executive Officer of the National Institute of Health, has been transferred and posted as Executive Director PIMS on deputation for three years. He will also continue to hold additional charge as CEO NIH until further arrangements.

Other officers have been assigned temporary responsibilities for key positions, including Joint Executive Director Non-Medical, Joint Executive Director Children Hospital, Head of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Associate Professor of Paediatrics, Senior Registrar and Assistant Director Security.

The appointments and additional charges have been made with immediate effect and will remain in place until further orders or the availability of regular incumbents.

The government’s action comes after the interim inquiry reportedly highlighted significant deficiencies at the nursery, including the absence of adequate emergency procedures and fire-safety arrangements, supervisory gaps, problems during the rescue operation and concerns regarding access to fire exits.

The inquiry also reportedly raised questions regarding the performance of Belfort, the private security company responsible for security services at the facility, with alleged failures to meet contractual obligations.

The government has also initiated action against the security company and directed that the interim inquiry report be made public.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has further directed that accountability should extend beyond departmental suspensions and dismissals. According to Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, the Prime Minister has ordered that criminal proceedings be initiated against officials found responsible for the incident.

Tarar said the publication of the inquiry report was intended to establish accountability and send a strong message regarding negligence involving public safety.

The 15 notifications were signed by Obaidullah Khan, Section Officer (Administration-I), and circulated to senior government authorities, including the Prime Minister’s Office, Establishment Division, Ministry of National Health Services, Accountant General Pakistan Revenues and the Executive Director PIMS.

The government’s latest measures represent a significant administrative response to one of the most serious recent incidents at a federal public-sector hospital, with further action expected after completion of the inquiry and determination of individual responsibility.