14 infants killed in fire at Pims' gynae ward in Islamabad

ISLAMABAD - A devastating fire claimed the lives of 14 infants in the gynaecology ward of Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims) early Wednesday. Rescue workers employed ladders and breached windows to reach the affected area. The Islamabad administration revealed that the fire erupted on the third floor of the Mother and Child Hospital’s ward, with six fire brigade vehicles and four ambulances participating in the rescue operation.

An inquiry committee, led by an additional deputy commissioner general, was established to investigate the incident. Pims spokesperson Dr Aneeza Jalil stated that 15 babies were in the ward at the time of the fire, which reportedly started at 7 am due to a short circuit. At least one survivor was reportedly rescued by a doctor. Local resident Malik Israr expressed regret over the nursery's location in a building undergoing repair and renovation, noting that women who had recently given birth had to descend several flights of stairs.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was briefed on the incident and expressed deep sorrow, offering condolences to the affected families. Senate Chairman Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani also voiced his condolences and emphasized the need for effective safety measures and fire systems in hospitals to prevent such tragedies.