Islamabad hospital fire kills at least 15 infants

At least 15 infants died following a fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad on August 26. The blaze broke out in the maternity and pediatric ward around 6:45 AM on the third floor.

Rescue workers reported that the fire was triggered by an explosion in an air conditioning unit compressor. Of the 16 infants present in the ward at the time, only one was successfully rescued. Emergency responders deployed six fire engines and four ambulances to the scene to extinguish the flames and conduct rescue operations.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered an immediate investigation into the incident, stating that those responsible must be identified and face the strictest possible measures. An investigative committee has been established to determine the exact cause of the tragedy. This incident follows a pattern of fatal fires in Pakistan, often attributed to safety lapses and poor building code enforcement.