PIMS tragedy: 10 officials recommended for removal

ISLAMABAD: Following a devastating fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) which resulted in the deaths of 14 newborn babies, the federal government has initiated major administrative action.

According to sources, after Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif received a preliminary high-level investigation report into the incident, Federal Health Secretary Aslam Ghori was immediately suspended over allegations of administrative negligence.

10 officers and officials recommended for removal

The preliminary investigation report has recommended removing 10 officers and officials from their positions for alleged negligence. According to sources, the recommendation also includes PIMS Executive Director Professor Dr. Rana Imran Sikandar.

The report identified alleged shortcomings in emergency response arrangements, implementation of safety protocols and the hospital’s administrative system. Sources said that technical staff of the children’s ward have also been suspended.

It was reported that the alleged absence of some staff members or their failure to respond promptly during the emergency caused delays in rescue and evacuation efforts.

Two separate investigations underway

Two investigations are currently underway to determine the causes of the PIMS tragedy and establish responsibility. The Islamabad district administration has formed an eight-member inquiry committee while a separate high-level federal investigation is being conducted under the leadership of former Interior Secretary Shahid Khan.

According to sources, the interim report of the Shahid Khan-led committee identified administrative incompetence, staff absence and alleged shortcomings in fire-safety arrangements as major contributing factors to the tragedy.

Fire safety audit of federal hospitals begins

According to the Ministry of National Health Services, orders were issued on August 28, 2026 for an immediate fire-safety audit of all hospitals administered by the federal government. The audit will cover PIMS, Polyclinic, FG Hospital Islamabad and Sheikh Zayed Hospital Lahore.

Authorities aim to assess fire-safety systems, emergency exit routes and other safety arrangements at the hospitals. Sources said the inquiry committee believes the tragedy may have been preventable and that the alleged absence of staff and weaknesses in the safety systems made the situation more serious.

Suspension of 8 more officers

Meanwhile, following the publication of Minute Mirror’s report on the PIMS tragedy, sources have also claimed that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered the suspension of eight additional PIMS officers.

According to sources, the PIMS inquiry committee, a key federal intelligence agency and the Prime Minister’s Office are continuously monitoring developments and reports related to the tragedy.

Sources further said that the intelligence agency briefed the prime minister shortly after the incident, before the preliminary report of the inquiry committee formed by the prime minister was submitted.

The Prime Minister’s Office has the authority to make a final decision regarding the release of the complete investigation report and any further departmental action. Officials said that once the final investigation is completed, responsibility will be determined and further action will be taken accordingly.