Fatal Fire at Islamabad’s Largest Hospital Claims Lives of Newborns

A tragic fire broke out at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad on Wednesday, claiming the lives of fourteen newborns. The incident occurred on the third floor of the hospital’s maternity ward, which is the largest in the city.

Authorities reported that the fire began shortly before 7 a.m. and rescue teams were dispatched immediately, sending six fire engines and four ambulances to the scene. A lawmaker, Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, informed reporters that there were fifteen babies in the ward along with four hospital workers and several mothers when the fire started. Fortunately, doctors managed to save one newborn.

Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal revealed that the fire originated from an air conditioning unit explosion and spread rapidly due to oxygen cylinders present in the ward.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered an immediate investigation, emphasizing accountability and stringent actions against those found responsible.

Pakistan spends less on healthcare compared to other countries in South Asia, as reported by the World Bank. After the national budget was approved in June, the largest doctors’ association in Pakistan warned of a systemic collapse in healthcare due to extensive structural neglect.

PIMS, equipped with over 150 beds in its maternity ward, had a notable recent visit from Imran Khan, the former Prime Minister of Pakistan, who came for a brief medical checkup on Friday.

This fire is part of a series of tragic incidents affecting children in recent months. Earlier in June, a rooftop collapse at a tutoring center in Lahore, Punjab Province, resulted in the deaths of fourteen children.

The story includes reporting contributions from Zia ur-Rehman and Salman Masood.

Elian Peltier, based in Islamabad, serves as The Times’s bureau chief for Pakistan and Afghanistan.