Pakistan: 15 babies dead in fire at Islamabad hospital

At least 15 newborn infants lost their lives when a fire erupted at a government-run hospital in Islamabad, Pakistan, on Wednesday morning, according to local broadcaster Geo TV. However, the official death toll stands at 14, as reported by the Islamabad administration. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has suspended the Federal Secretary of Health, Aslam Ghauri, prompting the information ministry to comment on the matter.

Sharif, visibly upset, has personally chaired a high-level meeting to address the incident. The fire broke out around 7 am at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), specifically in the third-floor mother and child health ward. Local sources claim the blaze was ignited by a malfunctioning air-conditioning system, while the hospital's spokesperson suggested a short circuit as the probable cause.

Despite six fire brigade vehicles and four ambulances rushing to the scene, only one infant was successfully rescued. An inquiry has been initiated to ascertain the cause of the fire, with the Islamabad administration forming a committee to probe the incident and assign responsibility.