14 Newborns Killed in PIMS Nursery Fire, One Baby Rescued

PIMS Hospital Fire Kills 14 Newborns; PM Removes Health Secretary, Orders High-Level Probe
ISLAMABAD, August 26, 2026 — Nazrana Times
At least 14 newborn babies were killed after a fire broke out early Wednesday in the nursery of the Mother and Child Health Ward at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad, one of the country’s major public hospitals.
The fire erupted at around 6:45–7:00 a.m. on the third floor of the hospital’s gynaecology/maternal and child health ward. Hospital officials said around 15 newborns were present in the nursery, with one baby rescued. Several infants were reportedly in incubators or receiving oxygen when the fire broke out.
Rescue teams rushed to the hospital and brought the blaze under control. Six fire engines and four ambulances took part in the emergency operation, while the affected children were shifted to the intensive care unit.
Initial reports said the fire may have started following a blast or malfunction involving an air-conditioning unit/compressor inside the nursery. Authorities have not yet established the definitive cause, and investigators are examining whether electrical faults, fire-safety arrangements or administrative negligence contributed to the tragedy.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, expressing deep sorrow over the deaths, ordered an immediate and comprehensive investigation and directed that those responsible be identified and face strict action.

At a high-level meeting to review the tragedy, the prime minister expressed strong displeasure at the officials concerned and ordered the immediate suspension and removal of Federal Health Secretary Aslam Ghauri from his post.
The prime minister also constituted a high-level inquiry committee to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and fix responsibility. Former Interior Secretary Shahid Khan has been appointed chairman, while Establishment Secretary Dr Barrister Nabil Awan is among the members.
Separately, the Islamabad administration has constituted a fact-finding committee to determine the technical cause of the fire, assess the availability and functioning of fire-safety measures and review the response of rescue and firefighting teams. The committee has been directed to submit its findings within 24 hours.
The tragedy has prompted grief and anger among the families of the deceased and renewed questions over fire-safety standards and emergency preparedness in public hospitals.
Nazrana Times | Islamabad
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