The Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims) administration has launched departmental action against six officers for alleged negligence regarding fire safety and administrative lapses at the hospital. Charge sheets have been issued outlining various allegations against these officials.

The officers facing disciplinary measures include Pims Executive Director Professor Dr. Rana Imran Sikandar, Head of the Gynaecology Department Professor Dr. Nosheela Javed, Dr. Nigham Nawaz, Professor Dr. Saadia Riaz, Muhammad Usman, and Joint Executive Director Waris Ali Raza.

These proceedings follow a devastating fire that erupted around 6:45 a.m. on August 26 in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) located on the third floor of the Mother and Child Health ward. The blaze resulted in the deaths of 14 newborns, while the sole infant who was rescued by a nurse later succumbed to injuries during treatment, raising the death toll to 15.

A thorough investigation into the incident determined that an electrical fault in the supply cable of the second air conditioner was the most likely cause of the fire. However, it also highlighted “systematic and institutional failures” as contributing factors to the tragedy.

The charge sheet reveals that no effective emergency standard operating procedures (SOPs) or evacuation plans had been developed for the nursery. Furthermore, no fire drills had been conducted in the nursery or Mother and Child Health area from January through August 2026.

Professor Dr. Rana Imran Sikandar is accused of neglecting fire safety protocols and failing to provide adequate administrative supervision at Pims. The charges also point to his inaction following a prior fire at the nursing hostel on July 6. Additionally, he did not ensure independent verification of fire safety measures nor implement temporary safety arrangements despite emergency funds being available.

Dr. Sikandar was further charged with poor coordination between relevant departments after the July incident. The charge sheet also criticizes him for simultaneously holding clinical and administrative roles, keeping his official service record personally, and violating regulations concerning his appointment and promotion as executive director.

Dr. Nigham Nawaz faces allegations of administrative negligence for not being present in the neonatology unit on the night of the fire. Similarly, Professor Dr. Saadia Riaz is accused of failing to guarantee sufficient staff presence and supervision in the neonatology unit.

Muhammad Usman is charged with neglecting fire safety and security responsibilities, including unauthorized absence from Pims on August 26 without approved leave. The charge sheet states he failed to ensure the availability of firefighting equipment, maintain emergency exit routes, and provide proper training to security personnel. Despite being a member of the inquiry committee investigating the July fire, he did not take corrective actions.

Joint Executive Director Waris Ali Raza has been charged with inadequate supervision of security, engineering, maintenance, and fire safety measures. He allegedly failed to coordinate with relevant departments to promptly address safety deficiencies.

All six officers have been given a 14-day deadline to submit their written replies to the charges. The proceedings warn that severe penalties, including possible dismissal from service, may be imposed following the departmental inquiry.