Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has suspended Federal Health Secretary Aslam Ghori following the deadly PIMS nursery fire in Islamabad.
The official was also removed from his post after 14 newborn babies reportedly died in the incident.
The prime minister has also formed a high-level committee to investigate the fire and determine responsibility. Former Interior Secretary Shahid Khan will head the inquiry committee.
PM Shehbaz Orders Inquiry Into PIMS Fire
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired a high-level meeting to review the tragedy. During the meeting, he expressed serious concern over the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The prime minister directed officials to identify those responsible for the incident.
He also ordered strict action against anyone found responsible following the investigation. Shehbaz expressed deep sorrow over the deaths of the newborn babies.
He also offered condolences to the grieving families affected by the tragedy. Earlier, the prime minister was attending a Seerat-un-Nabi conference in Islamabad.
He directed Federal Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal to immediately review the situation. The health minister was also asked to submit a detailed report about the incident.
Eyewitnesses Question Emergency Response
Eyewitnesses have raised serious questions about the emergency response following the fire.
Some witnesses claimed fire brigade teams arrived around two hours after the blaze started. One eyewitness said people attempted to escape while waiting for rescue teams.
These claims have not yet been established by the official inquiry. The investigation is expected to examine the emergency response and circumstances surrounding the deaths.
PIMS Administration Shares Details
PIMS Executive Director Rana Imran Sikandar also provided details about the incident.
He said two doctors, four nurses and other medical staff were present when the fire started. According to Rana Imran, one doctor managed to rescue a newborn baby.
He also explained why access to the nursery had been restricted. The hospital had reportedly received some recent cases involving child theft.
As a result, access to the nursery was controlled for security reasons. Rana Imran also said the hospital’s fire safety system was working satisfactorily.
However, the inquiry will examine the wider circumstances surrounding the incident.
Political Leaders Express Grief
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz expressed sorrow over the deaths of the newborns. Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon also expressed grief over the tragedy.
Both offered condolences to the affected families and prayed for strength during their loss. The deadly PIMS fire has raised serious concerns about hospital safety and emergency response procedures.
The suspension of the federal health secretary marks a major administrative action following the incident. Attention will now focus on the high-level inquiry headed by former Interior Secretary Shahid Khan.
In other news read more about: 15 Newborns Die in Fire at PIMS Hospital Nursery in Islamabad
Its findings are expected to determine responsibility and guide further action over the PIMS nursery fire.
