‘Black smoke’ chokes Pakistan maternity ward as hospital fire kills 14 infants

A fire broke out in the maternity ward of Pakistan's Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences hospital in Islamabad on Wednesday morning, resulting in at least 14 infant deaths, according to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Local media, such as Geo TV, claimed the death toll might be 15, reporting that one infant was rescued. The incident has been described as one of Pakistan's deadliest hospital fires in recent years, with government healthcare facilities often criticized for being under-resourced and mismanaged.

The fire, which occurred around 7 am local time, led to the immediate closure of the ward and the deployment of ambulances to the scene. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered a prompt investigation into the tragedy, with his office stating that those responsible must be identified and strict action taken. The ward was cordoned off, and authorities were seen outside the hospital building.

Parents expressed their grief and demanded justice, with Javeria lamenting, "Give me my child," and Mudasir lamenting, "I want justice." The incident occurred at a facility where doors, except one, were reportedly shut, and there was alleged to be no fire security in the ward. Former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who had been briefly treated at the hospital the previous week, did not comment on the incident.

The hospital, one of the major public healthcare facilities in Islamabad's city of approximately 1.1 million inhabitants, faces persistent criticism for its under-resourced and poorly managed state-run facilities.