Pakistani authorities have suspended eight officials and launched criminal proceedings following a devastating fire that killed 14 newborn babies in a capital hospital. The blaze broke out shortly after 6:30 AM on Wednesday (Aug 26) in the maternity unit of a federal healthcare facility in Islamabad. A preliminary inquiry conducted by a four-person committee revealed that the fire consumed the ward within approximately two minutes. Of the 15 infants under the hospital's care at the time, medical staff managed to rescue only one.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistan-hospital-fire-tragedy-massive-fire-at-pakistan-institute-of-medical-sciences-1787734524960/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistan-hospital-fire-tragedy-massive-fire-at-pakistan-institute-of-medical-sciences-1787734524960/embed</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;Following the inquiry's initial findings, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered immediate suspensions. The sanctioned personnel include top administrative and medical staff, such as the hospital's executive director, the head of the neonatal department, and the director-general of Islamabad's emergency services. Federal Health Secretary Aslam Ghori, the senior-most civil servant in the health department, was dismissed earlier in the week as an immediate response to the tragedy.&nbsp;Expressing severe condemnation late Saturday (Aug 29), Prime Minister Sharif declared that those guilty of criminal negligence would receive no concessions and must face full legal accountability. Additionally, the government approved legal action against the private firm contracted for the hospital’s security operations.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/15-newborns-killed-after-fire-breaks-out-in-pakistan-hospital-1787724990542">Islamabad’s District Magistrate launches probe after hospital fire kills 15 newborns, to submit report in 24 hours</a>&nbsp;The preliminary report outlined serious operational lapses during the incident. Emergency services were notified six minutes after the fire erupted, with the first responders arriving 15 minutes later. Witnesses and parents reported a delayed response, alleging that security personnel initially blocked exits and prevented people from escaping the building. The investigation further revealed that the facility lacked detailed standard operating procedures, routine emergency drills, or formal fire safety training. At the onset of the blaze, two nurses, a female security guard, and an additional officer were inside the ward, but no supervising staff were present.&nbsp;While Health Minister Mustafa Kamal initially pointed to an air conditioner spark as the probable cause, official investigators clarified that the exact source of ignition remains under investigation. Major structural fires remain a persistent hazard across Pakistan, primarily driven by sub-standard building codes, inadequate safety infrastructure, and lax regulatory enforcement. Recent years have seen several mass-casualty fires in commercial and industrial settings, including a shopping center fire in Karachi that claimed over 65 lives in January, another retail center blaze in 2023 that killed 11, and a garment factory disaster in 2012 that resulted in more than 250 deaths.

Pakistan suspends eight hospital officials and orders criminal proceedings following a deadly fire at Islamabad's PIMS hospital nursery that killed 14 newborns. 

Pakistani authorities have suspended eight officials and launched criminal proceedings following a devastating fire that killed 14 newborn babies in a capital hospital. The blaze broke out shortly after 6:30 AM on Wednesday (Aug 26) in the maternity unit of a federal healthcare facility in Islamabad. A preliminary inquiry conducted by a four-person committee revealed that the fire consumed the ward within approximately two minutes. Of the 15 infants under the hospital's care at the time, medical staff managed to rescue only one. https://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistan-hospital-fire-tragedy-massive-fire-at-pakistan-institute-of-medical-sciences-1787734524960/embed Following the inquiry's initial findings, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered immediate suspensions. The sanctioned personnel include top administrative and medical staff, such as the hospital's executive director, the head of the neonatal department, and the director-general of Islamabad's emergency services. Federal Health Secretary Aslam Ghori, the senior-most civil servant in the health department, was dismissed earlier in the week as an immediate response to the tragedy. Expressing severe condemnation late Saturday (Aug 29), Prime Minister Sharif declared that those guilty of criminal negligence would receive no concessions and must face full legal accountability. Additionally, the government approved legal action against the private firm contracted for the hospital’s security operations. Also read: Islamabad’s District Magistrate launches probe after hospital fire kills 15 newborns, to submit report in 24 hours The preliminary report outlined serious operational lapses during the incident. Emergency services were notified six minutes after the fire erupted, with the first responders arriving 15 minutes later. Witnesses and parents reported a delayed response, alleging that security personnel initially blocked exits and prevented people from escaping the building. The investigation further revealed that the facility lacked detailed standard operating procedures, routine emergency drills, or formal fire safety training. At the onset of the blaze, two nurses, a female security guard, and an additional officer were inside the ward, but no supervising staff were present. While Health Minister Mustafa Kamal initially pointed to an air conditioner spark as the probable cause, official investigators clarified that the exact source of ignition remains under investigation. Major structural fires remain a persistent hazard across Pakistan, primarily driven by sub-standard building codes, inadequate safety infrastructure, and lax regulatory enforcement. Recent years have seen several mass-casualty fires in commercial and industrial settings, including a shopping center fire in Karachi that claimed over 65 lives in January, another retail center blaze in 2023 that killed 11, and a garment factory disaster in 2012 that resulted in more than 250 deaths.

Pakistan suspends eight hospital officials and orders criminal proceedings following a deadly fire at Islamabad's PIMS hospital nursery that killed 14 newborns.

Pakistan suspends 8 officials, orders criminal action after hospital nursery fire kills 14 newborns

Unimpeakable grief has engulfed Islamabad as 14 newborn infants tragically lost their lives following a devastating fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) Hospital. 

The catastrophic blaze erupted early in the morning on the third floor of the Mother and Child Health ward's nursery. According to preliminary reports and government officials, an air-conditioning unit compressor explosion, coupled with combustible oxygen lines, caused the fire to spread rapidly through the intensive care unit where vulnerable babies were housed.

Pakistan hospital fire: 14 infants killed, Shehbaz Sharif orders probe 

A fire at the state-run hospital in Pakistan’s Islamabad on Wednesday (Aug 26) claimed the lives of 14 newborn babies. The fire broke out on the third floor of the Mother and Child Ward at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, considered amongst the best in the country. When the fire broke out, the nursery was housing 15 newborns, of whom just one was rescued.&nbsp;Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences is a premier state-run hospital which receives approximately 7,000–9,000 patients daily, with 30,000–40,000 people benefiting from the facility each day when attendants and families are included, according to Pakistan's Federal Health Minister.&nbsp;It is also the largest tertiary-care hospital in Islamabad, with nearly 1,300 beds and more than 27 specialties.&nbsp;Notably, it was also the same hospital where former prime minister of Pakistan Imran Khan was admitted for a brief medical examination where he was declared fit and later taken back to prison.&nbsp;<h2>What caused the fire?</h2>&nbsp;Though the exact technical cause has not yet been established, a preliminary report released by PIMS said &nbsp;that a nebuliser near an incubator reportedly exploded, after which oxygen caught fire and smoke entered the babies' breathing systems, reported Geo News.&nbsp;Initially it was reported that an electrical short circuit caused the fire, apparently starting around the AC. Meanwhile, an official fact-finding committee has been ordered to determine precisely what caused the ignition and what allowed it to spread.&nbsp;<h2>Inadequate safety arrangements</h2>&nbsp;The nursery contained high concentrations of supplemental oxygen, which according to officials intensified the fire.&nbsp;But what is great concern was that there were serious fire-safety and evacuation problems. A fire-brigade report cited inadequate safety arrangements, including closed emergency exits and obstructions on evacuation routes. There are also allegations that hospital security initially obstructed firefighters.&nbsp;

Initially it was reported that an electrical short circuit caused the fire at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, apparently starting around the AC.

A fire at the state-run hospital in Pakistan’s Islamabad on Wednesday (Aug 26) claimed the lives of 14 newborn babies. The fire broke out on the third floor of the Mother and Child Ward at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, considered amongst the best in the country. When the fire broke out, the nursery was housing 15 newborns, of whom just one was rescued. Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences is a premier state-run hospital which receives approximately 7,000–9,000 patients daily, with 30,000–40,000 people benefiting from the facility each day when attendants and families are included, according to Pakistan's Federal Health Minister. It is also the largest tertiary-care hospital in Islamabad, with nearly 1,300 beds and more than 27 specialties. Notably, it was also the same hospital where former prime minister of Pakistan Imran Khan was admitted for a brief medical examination where he was declared fit and later taken back to prison. What caused the fire? Though the exact technical cause has not yet been established, a preliminary report released by PIMS said that a nebuliser near an incubator reportedly exploded, after which oxygen caught fire and smoke entered the babies' breathing systems, reported Geo News. Initially it was reported that an electrical short circuit caused the fire, apparently starting around the AC. Meanwhile, an official fact-finding committee has been ordered to determine precisely what caused the ignition and what allowed it to spread. Inadequate safety arrangements The nursery contained high concentrations of supplemental oxygen, which according to officials intensified the fire. But what is great concern was that there were serious fire-safety and evacuation problems. A fire-brigade report cited inadequate safety arrangements, including closed emergency exits and obstructions on evacuation routes. There are also allegations that hospital security initially obstructed firefighters.

Initially it was reported that an electrical short circuit caused the fire at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, apparently starting around the AC.

Islamabad hospital fire: What we know about one of the biggest facility that housed Imran Khan

At least 15 infants were killed after a major fire erupted at the state-run hospital in Pakistan’s Islamabad on Wednesday (Aug 26). According to the Islamabad district office, the fire broke out on the third floor of the Mother and Child Ward at the state-run Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences. At the time of the incident, the nursery was housing 16 newborns, of whom just one was rescued. Islamabad’s District Magistrate has formed a fact-finding committee to probe the fire, with the panel directed to submit its report “within 24 hours.”According to a Geo TV report, citing rescue sources, the fire started at 6:45 am after an air-conditioner compressor explosion inside the nursery at the hospital.The incident left families distraught outside the hospital. An AFP reporter at the scene saw a woman crying while a man cleared shattered glass from two broken windows. Security personnel were stationed at the hospital entrance.<h2>Pakistan leaders vow strict action</h2>In a statement, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed “profound grief and heartfelt sorrow over the tragic incident of a fire in the nursery of PIMS Hospital.”Sharif “took notice of the tragic fire incident and directed the authorities to conduct an immediate investigation.”“Such a situation with children is irreparable,” the prime minister said.“A detailed review of the causes of the incident should be conducted, those responsible should be identified, and the strictest action should be taken,” he added.Islamabad Chief Commissioner Sohail Ashraf said the emergency call was received shortly before 7 am local time. Rescue and police teams reached the hospital soon after and brought the fire under control, he said.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">اسلام آباد : 26 اگست 2026. وزیراعظم محمد شہباز شریف نے پمز ہسپتال کی نرسری میں آتشزدگی کے اندوناک واقعہ میں 14 نومولود جاں بحق ہونے پر گہرے دکھ اور دِلی افسوس کا اظہار کیا. وزیراعظم نے معصوم بچوں کے لواحقین سے دلی اظہار تعزیت کیا۔ وزیراعظم محمد شہباز شریف نے آتشزدگی کے افسوسناک…&mdash; Prime Minister&#39;s Office (@PakPMO) <a href="https://x.com/PakPMO/status/2092478475685024240?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 26, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-is-imran-khan-s-prison-treatment-causing-a-political-storm-in-pakistan-wion-decodes-1787476181869">Why is Imran Khan’s prison treatment causing a political storm in Pakistan? WION Decodes</a>In a post on X, former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif said, “Hearing the news of 14 innocent children losing their lives in the fire tragedy at Pims Hospital has left my heart deeply grieved. I share equally in the sorrow of the bereaved parents. May Allah Almighty grant patience and fortitude to the affected families. The government must identify those responsible, take strict action, and ensure measures are in place to prevent such incidents in the future.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Deeply saddened and heartbroken by the tragic fire at the nursery of PIMS Hospital, in which 14 newborns lost their lives. My deepest condolences to the bereaved parents and families. No words can ease the pain of losing an innocent child. May Allah Almighty grant the families…&mdash; Ishaq Dar (@MIshaqDar50) <a href="https://x.com/MIshaqDar50/status/2092517254520766932?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 26, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Deputy Prime Minister of Pakistan and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also expressed his grief following the incident. In a post on X, he wrote, “Deeply saddened and heartbroken by the tragic fire at the nursery of PIMS Hospital, in which 14 newborns lost their lives. My deepest condolences to the bereaved parents and families. No words can ease the pain of losing an innocent child. May Allah Almighty grant the families strength and sabr in this unimaginably difficult hour.”He added, “As per Prime Minister’s orders an immediate and thorough investigation will establish the causes of this tragic incident to ensure that those found responsible face the strictest action. The safety of our children must remain paramount.”

Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari also expressed his grief over the incident.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">صدرِ مملکت آصف علی زرداری کا پمز اسپتال اسلام آباد آتشزدگی کے افسوسناک واقعے پر گہرے دکھ اور افسوس کا اظہار۔ صدرِ مملکت کا آتشزدگی کے نتیجے میں نومولود بچوں کے جاں بحق ہونے پر لواحقین سے دلی تعزیت اور ہمدردی کا اظہار۔ نومولود بچوں کی المناک اموات انتہائی دلخراش اور ناقابلِ…&mdash; The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) <a href="https://x.com/PresOfPakistan/status/2092489238130700333?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 26, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The fire has once again raised questions over safety standards at large buildings in Pakistan, where deadly blazes have repeatedly exposed concerns over fire preparedness and enforcement of building regulations.In January, more than 65 people were killed in a fire at a shopping centre in Karachi. Another shopping mall blaze in the city killed at least 11 people in 2023. Pakistan has also witnessed deadly industrial fires. At least 16 workers died in a Karachi factory fire in 2021.The country’s deadliest recent industrial fire occurred in 2012, when at least 250 workers were killed after a garment factory in Karachi's Baldia Town caught fire. The building did not have a fire escape.The cause of Wednesday’s hospital fire remains under investigation.

At least 15 infants were killed after a fire broke out at the PIMS hospital nursery in Islamabad. The blaze reportedly followed an AC compressor explosion, prompting PM Shehbaz Sharif to order a probe.

At least 15 infants were killed after a major fire erupted at the state-run hospital in Pakistan’s Islamabad on Wednesday (Aug 26). According to the Islamabad district office, the fire broke out on the third floor of the Mother and Child Ward at the state-run Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences. At the time of the incident, the nursery was housing 16 newborns, of whom just one was rescued. Islamabad’s District Magistrate has formed a fact-finding committee to probe the fire, with the panel directed to submit its report “within 24 hours.” According to a Geo TV report, citing rescue sources, the fire started at 6:45 am after an air-conditioner compressor explosion inside the nursery at the hospital. The incident left families distraught outside the hospital. An AFP reporter at the scene saw a woman crying while a man cleared shattered glass from two broken windows. Security personnel were stationed at the hospital entrance. Pakistan leaders vow strict action In a statement, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed “profound grief and heartfelt sorrow over the tragic incident of a fire in the nursery of PIMS Hospital.” Sharif “took notice of the tragic fire incident and directed the authorities to conduct an immediate investigation.” “Such a situation with children is irreparable,” the prime minister said. “A detailed review of the causes of the incident should be conducted, those responsible should be identified, and the strictest action should be taken,” he added. Islamabad Chief Commissioner Sohail Ashraf said the emergency call was received shortly before 7 am local time. Rescue and police teams reached the hospital soon after and brought the fire under control, he said.

At least 15 infants were killed after a fire broke out at the PIMS hospital nursery in Islamabad. The blaze reportedly followed an AC compressor explosion, prompting PM Shehbaz Sharif to order a probe.

Islamabad’s District Magistrate launches probe after hospital fire kills 15 newborns, to submit report in 24 hours

At least 14 newborn babies were killed after a fire broke out in the nursery of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences in Islamabad. One baby was rescued, while Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered an immediate investigation into the tragedy. 

Pakistan Hospital Fire Tragedy: Massive fire at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences

pakistan-hospital-fire

Pakistan Hospital Fire, News on Pakistan Hospital Fire, stories on Pakistan Hospital Fire, articles on Pakistan Hospital Fire, Pakistan Hospital Fire stories at Wion, Pakistan Hospital Fire news, Pakistan Hospital Fire latest news

pakistan hospital-fire

Pakistan suspends 8 officials, orders criminal action after hospital nursery fire kills 14 newborns

Pakistan hospital fire: 14 infants killed, Shehbaz Sharif orders probe

Islamabad hospital fire: What we know about the facility that housed Imran Khan

Islamabad’s District Magistrate probes hospital fire that killed 15 newborns

Pakistan Hospital Fire Tragedy: Massive fire at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences