8 officials suspended after probe into Pakistan hospital fire that killed 14 newborns

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has suspended eight officials and ordered criminal proceedings over a hospital fire that killed 14 newborns in Islamabad, according to a statement from his office. The fire, which occurred on Wednesday at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), is said to have resulted from a lack of fire safety measures, including the absence of a fire alarm and sprinkler system, and inadequate emergency response procedures.

The hospital's executive director, two joint executive directors, the head of the neonatal department, two doctors, the hospital's assistant director for security, and the head of the Capital Development Authority's emergency services were among those suspended. Sharif also approved compensation of 5 million rupees ($18,000) for each bereaved family.