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In Photos: 14 newborns killed in fire at PIMS hospital in Islamabad

Updated On: 26 August, 2026 01:52 PM IST | ronak mastakar

A massive fire broke out around 7 am on the third floor of the mother and child ward at the state-run Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), Islamabad's largest public hospital. (Pics/AFP)

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Pic/AFP
Pic/AFP
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Six fire brigade vehicles and four ambulances were deployed after the blaze was reported at the hospital. Authorities said the fire was brought under control quickly.
Six fire brigade vehicles and four ambulances were deployed after the blaze was reported at the hospital. Authorities said the fire was brought under control quickly.
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Islamabad authorities said 14 newborns were killed after the fire broke out in the gynaecology ward. Fifteen babies were reportedly present in the ward when the blaze started.
Islamabad authorities said 14 newborns were killed after the fire broke out in the gynaecology ward. Fifteen babies were reportedly present in the ward when the blaze started.
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PIMS spokesperson Dr Aneeza Jalil said at least one infant was rescued by a doctor. Two doctors, two nurses and other medical staff were also present when the fire broke out.
PIMS spokesperson Dr Aneeza Jalil said at least one infant was rescued by a doctor. Two doctors, two nurses and other medical staff were also present when the fire broke out.
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Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said the fire spread rapidly because of oxygen lines in the ward. Authorities said a preliminary inquiry was underway.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said the fire spread rapidly because of oxygen lines in the ward. Authorities said a preliminary inquiry was underway.
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PIMS spokesperson Dr Aneeza Jalil said the fire appeared to have been caused by a short circuit. Although the flames were extinguished, officials said the cooling process would take some time.
PIMS spokesperson Dr Aneeza Jalil said the fire appeared to have been caused by a short circuit. Although the flames were extinguished, officials said the cooling process would take some time.
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Health Minister Mustaf Kamal said hospital authorities had contacted the parents of some infants to collect DNA samples, as the bodies of some newborns could not be identified.
Health Minister Mustaf Kamal said hospital authorities had contacted the parents of some infants to collect DNA samples, as the bodies of some newborns could not be identified.
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An inquiry committee headed by the additional deputy commissioner general has been formed to investigate the incident. Officials said those responsible for negligence would face action.
An inquiry committee headed by the additional deputy commissioner general has been formed to investigate the incident. Officials said those responsible for negligence would face action.
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Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif summoned a high-level meeting of the Islamabad administration and directed authorities to conduct an immediate and thorough investigation into the deaths.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif summoned a high-level meeting of the Islamabad administration and directed authorities to conduct an immediate and thorough investigation into the deaths.
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President Asif Ali Zardari expressed deep sorrow over the deaths, describing the loss of the newborn babies as extremely heartbreaking and irreparable. He also called for those responsible to be identified and dealt with according to law.
President Asif Ali Zardari expressed deep sorrow over the deaths, describing the loss of the newborn babies as extremely heartbreaking and irreparable. He also called for those responsible to be identified and dealt with according to law.

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