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Nationwide Outcry Over Hospital Fire
Political leaders from across Pakistan have expressed grief and demanded accountability following the tragic fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad, which claimed the lives of 14 newborn babies .
First Lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari described the loss as “deeply distressing and traumatic,” expressing solidarity with bereaved parents and calling for an immediate, comprehensive, and transparent investigation. She stressed the need to improve hospital systems to prevent future tragedies .
PPP Vice President Sherry Rehman termed the incident “beyond shocking” and demanded justice, questioning how citizens seeking treatment in the federal capital could be exposed to such a disaster . She called for the health minister’s resignation, alleging that the emergency door was locked, people had to break windows to escape, and doctors were not present .
Provincial Leaders and Opposition Voices
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz described the tragedy as “extremely painful and distressing,” stating that the loss of innocent lives had left the entire country mourning . She stressed that fire safety arrangements at healthcare facilities must be reviewed .
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi called for a “complete and impartial investigation” and directed a comprehensive safety audit of all hospitals in his province .
PPP leader Nayyar Bukhari questioned why the PIMS emergency gate was closed, calling the deaths a result of negligence and demanding a transparent inquiry . PPP Senator Sharmila Faruqui called for the immediate resignation of the health minister, arguing that the federal health secretary was being made a scapegoat .
Government Response
Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal offered himself for accountability, stating, “I have presented myself before Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for accountability. He is my boss and will decide my fate” . He assured that CCTV footage showed a spark near an air conditioner at 6:38am, with oxygen intensifying the fire .
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif suspended Federal Health Secretary Aslam Ghori and ordered an inquiry committee to investigate the incident .
