A blaze broke out on the third floor of the mother and child unit at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) hospital in Islamabad early Wednesday morning, resulting in the deaths of 14 infants. Only one of 15 babies present in the ward survived the incident. The fire originated in an air-conditioning unit and prompted immediate evacuations, with witnesses describing harrowing scenes as parents fled with newborns.
Accounts of the emergency response vary significantly. Several eyewitnesses reported substantial delays in rescue operations, with some stating emergency personnel arrived approximately two hours after the fire began. Parents present at the time described extended waits for assistance and claimed duty staff were not readily available. One parent told media outlets that rescue teams arrived nearly four hours after the incident began. However, Islamabad’s Chief Commissioner stated that rescue personnel reached the scene immediately following the emergency call.
Disputes have also emerged regarding security measures at the maternity ward. Multiple witnesses and family members contended that doors were locked, limiting evacuation options and access for potential rescuers. The hospital’s executive director acknowledged that while the main ward door was not locked, it was staffed as a security measure to prevent infant theft, a concern that has previously occurred at government healthcare facilities. Some parents noted that restricted access was implemented to manage visitor frequency.
Concerns about broader safety deficiencies at the facility have been raised. Witnesses indicated the building lacked adequate fire safety equipment, proper emergency exits, and established protocols for fire emergencies. The hospital operates with 156 beds in its maternal and child health unit and is among the largest medical facilities in the capital.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed condolences and ordered an immediate investigation into the circumstances. He also suspended the Federal Health Secretary. Pakistan has experienced multiple major fire incidents in recent years, with insufficient safety regulations and inadequate enforcement frequently cited as contributing factors to fatalities during such emergencies.
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