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

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif convened an emergency meeting on Tuesday to discuss the tragic fire at the gynaecology ward of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims). The prime minister made it clear that no leniency would be shown to officials found guilty of criminal negligence. The meeting was attended by health minister Mustafa Kamal, health secretary Captain (retd) Muhammad Mahmood, and Pims executive director Dr Muhammad Salman, among others.

Fourteen infants tragically lost their lives in the fire, which occurred on August 26. The inquiry committee, established to investigate the incident, submitted its interim report to the prime minister, leading to the suspension and potential criminal action against eight officials, including the former Pims executive director and the head of neonatology.

However, standing committees in both houses of parliament have questioned the investigation, citing issues with incomplete CCTV footage and conflicting numbers of infants in the nursery. The Senate Standing Committee on Health expressed serious concern over the absence of fire alarms and reports of closed emergency exits. Prime Minister Shehbaz ordered the health minister and health secretary to oversee the implementation of safety measures at Pims and expedite health-sector reforms.