PIMS Fire Islamabad: 14 Newborns Killed in Nursery Blaze
ISLAMABAD, August 26, 2026: Fourteen newborn babies have died after a fire broke out in the nursery of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad, triggering an emergency response and prompting the government to order an immediate investigation.
The fire erupted at around 6:54 a.m. on Wednesday in the gynaecology ward located on the hospital’s third floor. The nursery was housing newborn babies at the time of the incident.
District administration officials said firefighters and six ambulances took part in the rescue operation, while 19 people, including women, were safely evacuated from the affected area. The fire was subsequently brought under control.
Initial accounts pointed to a possible compressor failure as the cause of the fire. However, officials later gave different preliminary explanations, including a possible short circuit. Authorities have therefore ordered a detailed inquiry to establish the exact cause.
PIMS Executive Director Imran Sikandar said all aspects of the incident would be investigated and that officials were working to determine how the fire started and spread.
Eight-Member Inquiry Committee Formed
An eight-member committee has been constituted to investigate the tragedy under the supervision of the Additional Deputy Commissioner General.
The committee includes representatives from Capital Emergency Services, Islamabad Police, the Assistant Commissioner Industrial Area, CDA emergency services, IESCO and PIMS.
The committee has been directed to examine the cause of the fire, assess the hospital’s fire-safety arrangements and review the emergency response and firefighting operation. It has been given 24 hours to submit its report.
Prime Minister Orders Immediate Investigation
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep sorrow over the deaths and directed authorities to conduct an immediate investigation.
The prime minister said the loss of newborn lives was an unbearable tragedy and ordered officials to determine those responsible. He called for strict action against anyone found responsible for negligence or violations of safety requirements.
He also expressed condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for strength and patience for the parents and relatives of the deceased children.
Following an emergency meeting, the government also removed Federal Health Secretary Aslam Ghori from his position, according to the information provided by officials.
Leaders Demand Accountability
President Asif Ali Zardari also expressed grief over the tragedy and called for those responsible to be identified and dealt with according to law. He further directed authorities to ensure effective fire-safety arrangements at hospitals across the country.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi expressed condolences to the families and said the government stood with them during the difficult time.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz directed officials to ensure the availability and functionality of fire-safety equipment in hospitals and ordered commissioners and deputy commissioners to review safety arrangements at healthcare facilities.
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah also expressed sorrow over the deaths, describing the incident as deeply painful.
Officials Cite Possible Short Circuit
Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry visited PIMS and briefed the media on the incident.
He said the fire appeared to have started because of a short circuit and spread rapidly due to a gas line and plastic equipment. He added that several babies reportedly died from suffocation and that the oxygen supply may also have contributed to the spread of the fire.
Chaudhry said doctors, nurses and hospital staff were present when the incident occurred and remained safe. He stressed that any negligence established during the investigation would be brought to light.
Nawaz Sharif, Bilawal Bhutto Express Grief
PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif expressed profound grief over the deaths of the 14 newborns and conveyed his condolences to the affected families.
He urged the authorities to identify those responsible and take strict action while strengthening safety measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari called for an impartial investigation and accountability for anyone found responsible.
Bilawal said the deaths represented an unbearable loss for the affected families and demanded that the public be informed about how such a tragedy occurred at one of Islamabad’s major public hospitals.
He also urged the federal government to strengthen safety arrangements across hospitals under its control.
The investigation is now expected to determine the exact cause of the blaze, establish whether safety protocols were followed and identify any lapses that may have contributed to the deaths.
