Pims fire: PM Shehbaz reiterates no leniency for officials found negligent in their duties

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif convened an emergency meeting on Tuesday to discuss the fire that occurred at the gynaecology ward of Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims), emphasizing that officials found guilty of criminal negligence would face no leniency. Fourteen infants lost their lives in the fire earlier that week, prompting lawmakers in both houses of parliament to demand accountability.

Health Minister Mustafa Kamal assured that those responsible would "not be spared." The premier directed the health minister and health secretary to be present at Pims on alternate days to oversee the implementation of safety measures. The meeting was briefed on the ongoing investigation, and the health minister, minister for economic affairs, health secretary, and Pims executive director attended.

The interim investigation report, submitted to Shehbaz on Saturday, led to the suspension and potential criminal action against eight officials, including the former Pims executive director, heads of neonatology and other departments. Standing committees in both houses of parliament questioned the investigation, citing incomplete CCTV footage and discrepancies in the number of infants in the nursery.

However, the health minister defended the process, inviting members to raise concerns. The tragedy occurred on August 26 when a fire broke out at Pims' Mother and Child Healthcare Centre, killing 14 babies. The incident was reportedly caused by a spark inside the nursery at 06:38 am, leading to a massive fire due to oxygen points at each incubator.

Doctors and nurses responded immediately, and security staff tried to enter the nursery before a blast occurred, collapsing the ceilings. Witnesses claim they waited hours for emergency services and had to break windows to reach the affected ward, while some reported locked emergency exits. The hospital and government have disputed claims of delays and locked exits.