PIMS tragedy: Test case for PM Shehbaz Sharif as inquiry begins, 14 newborns died before fire brigade arrived

The formal investigation into the tragic fire at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) has commenced, with Shahid Khan,

ISLAMABAD: The formal investigation into the tragic fire at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) has commenced, with Shahid Khan, head of the inquiry committee, visiting the hospital on Wednesday to inspect the site of the incident. The Deputy Commissioner Islamabad also accompanied the inquiry team during the visit.

The incident, which claimed the lives of 14 newborns, has emerged as a major test of the federal government’s commitment to accountability and safety standards in public-sector hospitals. Sources familiar with the developments described the case as a test for Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s administration, particularly regarding responsibility and oversight within the federal health system.14 newborns reportedly died before fire brigade arrival

A senior government official who visited the site told Minute Mirror that all 14 newborns in the neonatal ward had reportedly died nearly an hour before a fire brigade water tanker reached the location.

The official’s claim has raised serious questions about the emergency response, the availability of firefighting arrangements and the actions taken by hospital staff during the critical period.

If the timeline is established by the inquiry, legal experts believe the findings could potentially lead to proceedings against officials found responsible for serious negligence. The official said accountability would be unavoidable if the allegations were substantiated and that those responsible should face action under the law.Inquiry committee begins investigation

The inquiry committee, headed by 70-year-old former Interior Secretary Shahid Khan, has now formally begun examining the circumstances surrounding the August 26 fire.

The committee is expected to establish a detailed timeline of the incident, including when the fire started, how quickly hospital staff responded and when external emergency services arrived.

It will also examine why the fire could not be brought under control during the initial critical period and whether the hospital had adequate firefighting and emergency equipment available at the time.

Another key area of investigation will be the alleged delay in rescue operations and whether emergency protocols were properly followed by the staff on duty. While the investigation has begun, sources within the Ministry of National Health Services have raised concerns about the composition and impartiality of the inquiry committee. They claimed that questions have been raised regarding certain officers associated with the committee, potentially creating concerns about conflicts of interest.

However, these claims have not been independently verified, and the inquiry is expected to determine whether any such concerns have affected the investigation.PIMS administration had earlier stated that one child was rescued from the nursery while 73 patients were evacuated from the Gynae Ward during the emergency.

The administration has maintained that transparent investigations into the incident are being conducted through different forums. However, it has not publicly addressed the specific claim that the 14 newborns had died nearly an hour before the fire brigade’s water tanker arrived.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the inquiry committee to submit its report within 15 days. The findings are expected to determine whether administrative disciplinary action, criminal proceedings or other legal measures should be taken against officials found responsible.

Civil society representatives and parents’ groups have called for the complete inquiry report to be made public. They have also demanded strict action, including suspension of departmental heads, if negligence or violations of safety protocols are established.

The inquiry will therefore be closely watched as authorities attempt to determine what caused the tragedy, whether the emergency response was adequate and who, if anyone, should be held accountable for the deaths of the newborns.