Questions raised over PIMS fire inquiry committee composition

The District Magistrate, Islamabad Capital Territory, has constituted an 8-member fact-finding committee to probe the fire that erupted on August 26

ISLAMABAD: The District Magistrate, Islamabad Capital Territory, has constituted an 8-member fact-finding committee to probe the fire that erupted on August 26, 2026 in the Nursery of the MCH Ward at PIMS, Islamabad.

According to Notification No. 1(10)-HC(G)/2026, the committee headed by the Additional Deputy Commissioner (General), ICT as Convener, includes the Director General Capital Emergency Services, SP City, Assistant Commissioner Industrial Area, DG E&M CDA, and representatives of IESCO and PIMS. The committee has been tasked to determine the cause of fire, assess fire-safety measures, and evaluate rescue operations. It has been directed to submit its report within 24 hours.

However, concerns have been raised over the inclusion of a PIMS representative in the committee. Critics argue that when an institution itself is under scrutiny for possible lapses, its own representative cannot be expected to conduct an impartial inquiry.

“The inquiry must be independent, transparent and free from conflicts of interest. Including an official from the same institution whose role is being questioned undermines public trust in the process,” observers noted.

The notification has been circulated to the Secretaries of Interior and National Health Services, Chief Commissioner Islamabad, Chairman CDA, IG Police, and Executive Director PIMS.

Minute Mirror is committed to accurate, fact-based and investigative journalism. We hold power to account with evidence and serve the public interest.

Asad Kharal is Editor Investigations at Minute Mirror and an award-winning investigative journalist.

Reach him at @AsadKharal