IHC orders report on PIMS tragedy
CJ Dogar declares death of 14 children a 'horrific' incident
On Monday, the nation's Supreme Court ordered a report into the tragic fire at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) that claimed the lives of 14 newborn infants. Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar characterized the incident as "horrific." The court heard several petitions calling for a judicial investigation into the tragedy. Additional Attorney General Rashid Hafeez and Assistant Attorney General Azmat Bashir Tarar attended the hearing.
Advocate Qasim Iqbal Jalali, representing a petitioner, questioned the formation of government committees to probe the incident, arguing that bureaucrats investigating their own departments was unjustifiable. The chief justice inquired about the legal basis for directing a judicial inquiry, expressing doubt that the Inquiry Act permitted such a directive.
The petitioner's counsel noted that a commission had been established in connection with a similar incident at the Punjab Institute of Cardiology, but stressed that this commission had not been established by the court itself. He pointed out that no party could act as their own judge in a case. Hafeez informed the court that the health secretary had been suspended the day of the incident, while PIMS officials were now suspended based on an interim report.
The chief justice emphasized the severity of the tragedy, stating that the loss of 14 lives in such a devastating fire was deeply troubling. He asked Hafeez if the court could still issue an order if authorities were already taking action. Justice Dogar adjourned the hearing, seeking a detailed response and reiterating the need for a thorough investigation. The fire occurred on August 26th, leaving the nation in shock and demanding accountability.
Written by urgent.news from The Express Tribune - Pakistan's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
