An interim inquiry into the devastating fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), which claimed the lives of 14 newborns, has concluded that the exact cause of ignition remains technically undetermined. However, the report cleared frontline clinical staff of abandoning the infants, highlighting that CCTV footage confirmed immediate rescue efforts were undertaken.
The interim report was released by the Minister of Information and Broadcasting and was prepared by a four-member committee tasked with investigating the tragic incident in the gynaecology ward. the findings, the fire became visible around 6:38 a.m. on August 26 and spread with alarming speed, engulfing the nursery in smoke within approximately two minutes.
The committee emphasized that the CCTV evidence does not support any broad conclusion that clinical staff deserted the newborns during the emergency. Despite this, the precise source of the fire remains unresolved. The investigation suggested that an internal electrical or equipment-related fault could be responsible, but it was unable to definitively identify whether an incubator, warmer, air conditioner, plug, socket, wiring, or another component triggered the blaze.
At an institutional level, the committee identified serious shortcomings that demand urgent accountability and corrective action. These include deficiencies in fire and life-safety preparedness, emergency exits and access, notification systems, evacuation planning, firefighting arrangements, security coordination, and the translation of responsibilities into operational readiness.
Notably, these issues were of heightened concern given that PIMS had experienced another fire just seven weeks prior, with similar safety lapses formally documented at that time. The report also found that the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit was staffed below the required level during the fire, with the head of the unit, Professor Dr. Sadia Riaz, responsible for ensuring the presence of all doctors and allied health professionals.
Consequently, the committee recommended the immediate suspension of Professor Dr. Sadia Riaz, Head of Neonatology at Children Hospital PIMS, along with Dr. Nagham, Senior Registrar of the Neonatology Department, for failing to maintain adequate staffing and for being absent during the incident.
The inquiry further criticized the hospital administration for neglecting its responsibilities following a fire at the PIMS Nursing Hostel in July 2026. It noted the absence of essential fire safety drills, failure to maintain firefighting equipment, and lack of detailed standard operating procedures and incident management protocols. As a result, the committee called for the immediate suspension of Professor Dr. Imran Sikandar, Executive Director PIMS; Dr. Mutahir Shah, Joint Executive Director MCH; Ch. Waris Ali Raza, Joint Executive Director Non-Medical PIMS; and Dr. Nosheela Amjad, Director MCH, recommending disciplinary proceedings under the E&D Rules 2020.
Additionally, the Capital Emergency Service (CES), responsible for fire safety in Islamabad including at PIMS, was found to have ignored systemic failures following the July fire. The committee recommended suspending Dr. Abdul Rehman, Director General CES CDA Islamabad, and Muhammad Usman, Assistant Director Security, for absence without leave and dereliction of duty.
The report also urged that Belfort Security be held accountable under relevant laws by PIMS for failing to meet contractual obligations related to security and safety.
Regarding allegations that mandatory fire exits were locked or obstructed, and potential delays in summoning external emergency services, the committee recommended these matters be referred for criminal investigation if evidence of a cognizable offense is found. It stressed that final criminal responsibility lies with competent investigative and judicial authorities.
In a significant development, the committee underscored that the broader institutional failures are more critical than pinpointing a single faulty device or individual responder. While the exact ignition source remains unknown, accountability must extend beyond the initial spark. The report calls for three distinct responses: disciplinary action for neglect of public duty, contractual action for breaches by outsourced entities, and criminal investigation where omissions may have contributed to the fatalities.
