Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal has promised that no one found responsible for the deadly fire at Pims hospital in Islamabad will escape action. He told the Senate that the matter will not simply fade away.
Speaking during the Senate session, Kamal said he considers himself responsible for the tragedy that claimed the lives of 14 newborns. He presented himself for accountability and urged lawmakers to wait for the ongoing investigation to finish before drawing conclusions.
The minister announced that a committee has already been formed to look into the incident. Its report is expected tonight. He stressed that any decision must be based on solid evidence, including digital records, videos and statements from eyewitnesses.
Kamal described the overall system as rotten and questioned how better people could be found after removing those who fail. He also noted that thousands of children under five die across Pakistan every year and that complete information is being collected from the families of the affected infants.
All institutions have been ordered to fully cooperate with the probe. The minister made a clear pledge: “Whoever is found negligent will not be spared. Not a single individual will be spared in the investigation.”
He proposed forming a joint parliamentary committee with members from both the National Assembly and the Senate. The Ministry of Health is ready to share every available detail with the investigators.
When some lawmakers called for his resignation, Kamal said he would not respond to those demands until the investigation is complete. He added that he has already taken steps beyond what many expected.
Separately, both the National Assembly and the Senate approved motions to create a special parliamentary committee on the Pims fire. Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar moved the motion in the National Assembly, while Senator Sherry Rehman did the same in the Senate.
Senate Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani and National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq have been authorised to form the committee after mutual consultation. They will also decide its terms of reference and the number of members. The special committee will examine all aspects of the tragedy.
A day earlier, the federal government announced compensation of Rs5 million for the family of each infant who lost their life in the fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences gynaecology ward. Officials said the amount cannot replace a human life but is meant to ease the hardship of the grieving families.
The government has reiterated that it stands with the affected families and will provide every possible support during this difficult time.
