In brief
In the early hours of Wednesday, a fire erupted in the maternity ward of Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad. The blaze began in an air‑conditioning unit and spread rapidly, trapping patients behind a locked exit. Fourteen infants died, while several families insisted safety protocols were inadequate and rescue crews were delayed. Authorities have ordered an investigation, suspended the federal health secretary, and urged reforms for fire safety in hospitals.
In the early hours of Wednesday, a blaze erupted in the maternity ward of Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad, killing 14 babies and leaving families in shock.
The fire started in an air‑conditioning unit on the third floor. With no functional fire alarms, the flames spread fast, and parents were forced to fight through thick smoke to evacuate with their newborns.
Excessive reports say the ward’s main door was locked, preventing quick entry for rescuers. Emergency crews arrived after a delay, and both police and hospital staff denied the door was shut to stop strangers, citing concerns of baby theft.
Witnesses described how they had to break windows and doors to gain access, and that no fire extinguishers or clear evacuation routes were available.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has condemned the tragedy, suspended federal health secretary Aslam Ghauri, and ordered an immediate investigation into hospital safety protocols.
