ISLAMABAD: Pakistan prime minister Shehbaz Sharif has constituted a high-level inquiry committee to investigate the devastating fire at Islamabad’s PIMS Hospital’s neonatal nursery, which claimed the lives of 14 newborn babies in one of the country’s deadliest hospital tragedies.
The Prime Minister, visibly distraught, suspended the Federal Health Secretary on the spot and ordered the strictest possible action against those found responsible.
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PM @CMShehbaz has constituted an inquiry committee to conduct a high-level investigation into the fire incident at #PIMS Hospital, #Islamabad, which resulted in the deaths of 14 newborn babies@PakPMO #RadioPakistan #News https://t.co/6WixSRkNDo pic.twitter.com/SkJznlJxK2
— Radio Pakistan (@RadioPakistan) August 26, 2026
PM’s strong response to national tragedy
Chairing an emergency meeting in Islamabad today, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep indignation over the fire incident and ordered an immediate, high-level investigation.
Former Interior Secretary Shahid Khan has been appointed to head the inquiry committee, tasked with uncovering the causes of the tragedy and recommending punitive measures.
In a dramatic display of accountability, the Prime Minister suspended Federal Health Secretary Muhammad Aslam Ghauri during the meeting and directed him to leave the proceedings immediately.
A notification regarding the suspension has since been issued, with Secretary Housing, Retired Captain Muhammad Mahmood, given additional charge of the health ministry.
Expressing heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, the Prime Minister said: “Our hearts are deeply grieved by this tragic incident, and we share the grief of the parents.” He emphasised that no negligence would be tolerated and that those responsible would face the fullest extent of the law.
Criminal negligence at PIMS hospital took innocent newborns. 💔
Out of 15 newborns present in the nursery ward, 14 infants tragically died from severe burns and smoke inhalation. Only one newborn was successfully rescued from the room.
The fire reportedly erupted around 6:45… pic.twitter.com/7iI8CERHbo
— Saima Komal (@Saimakomal129) August 26, 2026
Health minister vows accountability
Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal, speaking to the media outside PIMS Hospital, described the incident as a “heartbreaking tragedy” and pledged full transparency in the investigation. He confirmed that the nursery was caring for 14 newborn babies at the time of the fire, all of whom tragically lost their lives.
Kamal said he was the first to present himself for accountability and made it clear that no one found responsible for negligence would be spared. “There will be no favouritism or leniency in this matter,” he declared, adding that the prime minister had been in contact with him since morning and had issued necessary instructions.
When asked about the possibility of his own resignation, Kamal stated: “The prime minister is my boss, and I will follow any orders given to me. He has the authority to appoint or suspend anyone, and I will present myself before him.”
Minute-by-minute account of the tragedy
Providing a detailed timeline of the incident, the health minister revealed that a spark originated from inside an air-conditioning unit at exactly 6:38pm. By 6:39pm, people were seen leaving the room as staff witnessed the unfolding disaster.
According to Kamal, a flame appeared to fall down, and within one minute, the entire room was engulfed in fire.
The presence of oxygen lines in the nursery proved catastrophic, as the gas caught fire and flames were seen racing along the supply lines, accelerating the spread of the blaze. The minister confirmed that all relevant records, including CCTV footage, were available and would be part of the investigation.
Background of the infants and hospital
The 14 newborn babies who lost their lives were all under intensive care in the hospital’s neonatal nursery, many of whom were premature or had underlying health conditions requiring specialised medical attention. The nursery was equipped with life-support systems, including oxygen supply lines and incubators, which are critical for the survival of such vulnerable infants.
PIMS Hospital, one of the largest public sector hospitals in Islamabad, serves thousands of patients annually and is a referral centre for complicated pregnancies and neonatal care. The nursery was considered a specialised facility, making the tragedy all the more devastating for families who had entrusted their children’s lives to the institution.
The hospital administration has faced questions regarding fire safety protocols, including the availability of fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and emergency evacuation procedures within the neonatal unit.
Read Also: Pakistan PM Sharif Orders Suspension of Health Secretary over PIMS Infant Deaths
Investigation and future safeguards
The inquiry committee, led by former Interior Secretary Shahid Khan, has been tasked with submitting its findings publicly. Kamal assured that the investigation would be thorough and transparent, adding that efforts would be made to ensure such an accident never occurs again.
“We will brief the prime minister on the situation, and necessary measures will be taken to prevent future incidents,” the minister said, emphasising that systemic reforms in hospital safety protocols would be a priority moving forward.
