Pims fire: PM Shehbaz orders suspension of 8 officials as inquiry panel submits interim report

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered the suspension of eight officials and initiated criminal proceedings against them following an interim report from an inquiry committee investigating the fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims). The tragedy claimed the lives of 14 infants. The announcement was made during a high-level meeting chaired by the prime minister in Lahore.

Earlier, Health Minister Mustafa Kamal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry paid a visit to the children's ward at Pims. Both ministers expressed their condolences to the families of the deceased children and conveyed Prime Minister Sharif's sympathies. The ministers also reviewed the facilities and arrangements at the children's ward and received a briefing on the healthcare services provided to patients.

The government is awaiting the report of the inquiry committee to determine responsibility for the deadly fire. Kamal stressed that a complete and impartial investigation was underway, and strict action would be taken against those found responsible.