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PIMS hospital fire in Islamabad kills newborns, sparks investigation
A devastating fire in the gynaecology ward of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad has resulted in the deaths of at least 14 to 15 newborns. Following the incident, the federal health secretary was removed from his position.
Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal has vowed that those responsible for the tragedy will be held accountable, stating that the investigation will be based on evidence including digital records and eyewitness statements. Both houses of Parliament have approved motions for special committees to investigate the incident. While the government has established an inquiry committee, opposition lawmakers have expressed skepticism and demanded a joint committee that includes opposition members to ensure transparency.
The Human Rights Council of Pakistan (HRC-Pakistan) has raised concerns that the tragedy may stem from more than just a fire, citing potential lapses in staffing, neonatal care standards, and hospital safety protocols. The HRC has called for an independent review of emergency evacuation and rescue arrangements, noting that previous surveys by the Capital Development Authority have already identified significant fire safety deficiencies in many Islamabad buildings.
Entities
Capital Development Authority · Human Rights Council of Pakistan · Islamabad · Mustafa Kamal · Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The federal health secretary was removed from his post following the incident. www.desiblitz.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Health Minister Mustafa Kamal pledged that anyone found negligent in the PIMS hospital fire will be held accountable. islamabadpost.com.pk · dailytimes.com.pk
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Human Rights Council of Pakistan called for an investigation into staffing levels and neonatal care standards. www.socialnews.xyz
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Both houses of Parliament approved motions seeking special committees to investigate the tragedy. dailytimes.com.pk
- [○ 1 SOURCE] There were 15 children in the gynaecology ward at the time of the fire, with only one being rescued. www.desiblitz.com