Fourteen infants lost their lives after a fire broke out in the neonatal intensive care unit of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences on Wednesday morning. The nursery had 15 newborns at the time, and only one baby was rescued successfully. Here is a clear summary of the facts available so far.
The fire started around 6:45 am on the third floor of the Mother and Child Health ward. Initial reports differ on the exact cause. Rescue sources said an air-conditioner compressor exploded inside the nursery. The PIMS administration’s first report claimed a nebuliser next to an incubator exploded. Video footage later showed a flame coming from an air conditioner. Once the fire began, oxygen in the ward caught fire quickly. Smoke travelled through pipes and entered the infants’ breathing systems. Officials said the babies died from the sudden cut-off of oxygen supply and from burns.
Federal Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry stated that a short circuit caused the blaze and that most of the children died from asphyxiation.
Rescue accounts also conflict. District authorities said teams reached the hospital immediately. Six fire brigade vehicles and four ambulances took part. State Minister Talal Chaudhry and the CDA Fire Brigade both claimed the first vehicle arrived within six minutes. However, parents and eyewitnesses told media that help came much later and that they tried to save the babies themselves.
A fire brigade report later pointed to serious safety failures. Emergency exits were permanently closed, evacuation routes were blocked, and hospital security staff initially obstructed firefighters. PIMS Executive Director Rana Imran Sikandar said two doctors, four nurses and other staff were present, and one doctor managed to rescue a single newborn.
After the fire, the ward was sealed. CCTV footage and other evidence were secured. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered a full inquiry and suspended Federal Health Secretary Aslam Ghori. He also formed a high-level committee led by former interior secretary Shahid Khan.
Experts and political figures are now demanding an independent probe. Former caretaker health minister Dr Nadeem Jan called for a judge-led inquiry with technical experts. Former Islamabad advocate general Jahangir Jadoon urged a judicial commission headed by a Supreme Court judge so that no one connected to the incident can influence the findings.
Investigations are still ongoing as families grieve and the nation seeks clear answers.
