Shazia Marri demands accountability over PIMS tragedy

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader and Member of the National Assembly Shazia Marri has strongly criticised the federal government over

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader and Member of the National Assembly Shazia Marri has strongly criticised the federal government over the deaths of newborn babies in the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) fire, calling the incident a serious example of administrative negligence.

In a statement, Marri said innocent children had lost their lives, yet no one appeared to be taking responsibility for the tragedy.

She alleged that ordinary citizens were paying the price for what she described as incompetence and poor management by the federal government.

Marri demanded that those responsible for the incident be identified and proceeded against according to the law.

She questioned the federal health minister’s position, asking what justification there was for remaining in office if the minister could not ensure the safety and proper administration of a major government hospital.

The PPP leader said the deaths of newborns could not simply be dismissed as an accident while ignoring possible administrative failures.

She called for a transparent and impartial investigation into the PIMS fire and urged authorities to determine whether negligence or shortcomings in hospital management contributed to the loss of lives.

Marri also questioned the hospital’s fire safety arrangements and emergency response.

She asked where the required safety measures were when the fire broke out and why immediate rescue and emergency procedures could not prevent the deaths.

The PPP leader demanded strict legal action against anyone found responsible following the investigation.

She said the federal government should accept responsibility for the incident and ensure justice for the families who lost their children.

Marri described the loss of innocent lives as irreparable and said those found guilty of negligence should not be given any concession.

Her remarks came amid widespread public anger following the PIMS tragedy, which has prompted demands for accountability, improved fire safety systems and stronger emergency preparedness at government hospitals.