Lawmakers call for debate on deadly Pims blaze in Parliament

ISLAMABAD: In response to the devastating fire that claimed the lives of 14 infants at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims), lawmakers are demanding a thorough investigation and debate on the matter in Parliament. The fire, which Health Minister Mustafa Kamal attributed to a "blast in the air conditioner," has sparked widespread outrage and grief.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has since removed the federal health secretary and initiated an inquiry. PPP lawmakers submitted multiple notices to the National Assembly, requesting an immediate investigation and debate on the tragedy. PPP Vice President Senator Sherry Rehman submitted an adjournment motion in the Senate, calling for a comprehensive investigation and the suspension of routine proceedings to allow a detailed debate.

She emphasized the grave public concern surrounding the loss of newborn lives at a major government hospital. Calls for accountability and transparency have also emerged within Pims, with senior doctors attributing the incident to inadequate safety measures such as the use of flame-proof electrical fittings in the nursery. Critics have also raised concerns about the closure of emergency exits and the effectiveness of safety protocols.

Former Punjab Health Minister Dr Javed Akram dismissed the administration's claim that the emergency doors were closed to prevent theft, suggesting that the use of CCTV cameras and guards would be more appropriate. Some experts have even called for a one-year hiatus in starting new health projects in Pakistan, urging the government to upgrade existing hospitals instead.

Civil society activists have demanded the immediate suspension of senior administrative staff and the development of comprehensive safety protocols for all hospitals.