ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday expressed strong displeasure over the deaths of newborn babies at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) and ordered the immediate suspension and removal of Federal Health Secretary Muhammad Aslam Ghauri.
The prime minister chaired a high-level meeting to review the incident and directed that a thorough inquiry be conducted to determine the causes and fix responsibility.
A high-level inquiry committee has been constituted on the prime minister’s orders to investigate the deaths. Former Interior Secretary Shahid Khan will head the inquiry committee.
The committee will also include Establishment Secretary Barrister Nabeel Ahmad Awan as a member.
READ ALSO: 14 Infants Die in Fire at PIMS Gynae Ward in Islamabad
The prime minister expressed severe anger at the relevant officials during the meeting and directed the authorities to take appropriate action based on the findings of the inquiry.
At least 14 newborn babies were killed when a fire tore through the nursery of the Mother and Child Health (MCH) ward at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad early Wednesday, triggering a government inquiry and demands for accountability.
