ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday ordered the suspension of and criminal action against eight officials, including the executive director of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), over a fire that claimed the lives of 14 infants.
PM Shehbaz taken the action on the recommendations of an inquiry committee’s interim report, which was presented during a high-level meeting in Lahore, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office.
وزیراعظم محمد شہباز شریف کی زیر صدارت پمز آتشزدگی واقعے پر اعلی سطحی اجلاس منعقد ہوا جس میں وزیرِ اعظم کو تحقیقاتی کمیٹی کی عبوری رپورٹ پیش کی گئی.
وزیرِ اعظم نے کمیٹی کی جانب سے نشاندہی کردہ 8 لوگوں کو فوری طور پر معطل کرے انکے خلاف فوری کاروائی کرنے کی منظوری دے دی. وزیرِ… pic.twitter.com/7znZqXXacU
— Prime Minister’s Office (@PakPMO) August 29, 2026
The eight individuals facing action are PIMS Executive Director Dr Rana Imran Sikander, Joint Executive Directors Dr Mutahir Shah and Dr Chaudhry Awais Ali Shah, head of neonatal department Prof Dr Sadia Riaz, senior registrar Dr Nagham, Dr Naushila Amjad, PIMS Security Assistant Director Mohammad Usman, and Dr Abdul Rehman, the director general of the Capital Development Authority’s Emergency Services. The premier specifically directed that not only departmental action be taken but also criminal action under relevant laws, the PMO noted.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif approved the conferment of the Sitara-e-Shujaat (Star of Bravery) upon a nurse who risked her own life to save an infant during the deadly PIMS fire. The premier also ordered that the nurse and a female security guard be appointed as Officers on Special Duty (OSD) to assist further investigation.
He directed the immediate appointment of Dr Muhammad Salman as acting Executive Director of PIMS hospital and ordered that all vacant positions be filled permanently.
🚨 PIMS Fire Incident: 8 Officials Suspended
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved the immediate suspension of eight individuals identified by the inquiry committee in connection with the tragic PIMS neonatal ward fire.
The suspended officials include:
• Prof. Dr. Imran… pic.twitter.com/Hh0AoPCLK1
— Powindah 💀 (@intel_view) August 29, 2026
Emphasising strict accountability, PM Shehbaz declared that those guilty of criminal negligence deserve no concessions and will face exemplary punishment to prevent future tragedies.
He expressed condolences to the bereaved families and thanked the inquiry committee for its work, while directing them to complete the investigation and submit a more detailed final report.
Read Also: Pakistan Prime Minister Orders High-Level Inquiry into Hospital Fire That Claimed 14 Newborns
The interim findings have exposed systemic failures in hospital safety and management, with CCTV footage showing the ward engulfed in flames within just two minutes.
On Wednesday, August 26, a devastating fire erupted at the Mother and Child Healthcare Centre at PIMS, killing 14 babies. According to a PIMS statement, the incident was “initially caused by a spark inside the nursery at 06:38am,” with a massive fire erupting within seconds due to oxygen points at each incubator.
Read Also: Pakistan PM Sharif Orders Suspension of Health Secretary over PIMS Infant Deaths
However, witnesses claimed they waited hours for emergency services and were forced to smash windows to reach the affected ward, while some alleged that doors were locked. The hospital and government later disputed claims of delays and locked emergency exits.
