ISLAMABAD: Advocate General Punjab Barrister Zafarullah Khan expressed deep sorrow over the recent PIMS fire incident. The fire reportedly claimed the lives of 14 newborn babies.
He made the remarks during a hearing at the Islamabad High Court on Thursday. The case involved medical treatment requests from three Adiala Jail inmates.
Justice Muhammad Asif heard the petitions filed by Owais Altaf, Ilyas Khan and Muhammad Ismail. The prisoners requested treatment at private hospitals and greater access to their families.
Advocate General Islamabad Naveed Hayat Malik also appeared before the court. Jail officials and Additional Attorney General Rashid Hafeez attended the hearing as well.
The court was informed that the prisoners wanted relief similar to former prime minister Imran Khan. The request followed a Supreme Court order concerning his medical examination and treatment.
One prisoner’s lawyer said his client had a condition similar to thalassemia. He said the inmate had remained in jail for six months.
The lawyer requested that the prisoner be moved to a private hospital. He also sought proper medical facilities for his client.
He warned that jail officials could face responsibility if adequate treatment was not provided. He also referred to the Supreme Court’s August 18 order.
The lawyer said he was prepared to cover the treatment expenses at a private hospital. Another petitioner, Muhammad Ismail, appeared before the court through video link.
His lawyer said Ismail was suffering from a heart condition. He alleged that the jail superintendent rejected a treatment request without consulting a doctor.
During the proceedings, Justice Muhammad Asif questioned the Advocate General Punjab about the prisoners’ requests.
Barrister Zafarullah said the requests would be considered if permitted under the law. He also defended the medical facilities available at PIMS.
He noted that several senior government officials had received treatment at the hospital. He added that PIMS has highly qualified doctors.
However, the judge raised serious concerns about the recent fire. He highlighted the deaths of 14 newborn children in a single day.
Justice Asif questioned how patients could trust a major hospital after such an incident. He also stressed the government’s responsibility for preventing similar tragedies.
Barrister Zafarullah said there was no justification for defending the incident. He described the event as tragic, shocking and deeply distressing.
He further said the incident had no explanation. The Advocate General also expressed personal shame over the tragedy.
The PIMS fire incident has raised concerns about safety standards at major public hospitals. The court’s remarks highlighted the need for better protection of vulnerable patients.
The proceedings also focused on medical care for prisoners. The court considered whether inmates should receive treatment at private hospitals when necessary.
The matter remains under consideration by the Islamabad High Court. Further proceedings will determine the requests made by the three prisoners.
In other news read more about 15 Newborns Die in Fire at PIMS Hospital Nursery in Islamabad
The incident has also renewed attention on safety arrangements at PIMS. Authorities may face increased scrutiny over measures designed to protect patients and newborns.
