Pakistan implements new fire safety measures following fatal hospital nursery fire

Following a fatal fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad that killed 14 newborns, the Pakistani government has approved the installation of modern fire safety systems in federal buildings. The new measures include the installation of modern sprinklers and alarm systems in ministries, divisions, and other government facilities, with priority given to buildings lacking adequate protection.

In response to the tragedy, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) has increased enforcement of fire safety rules, sealing several buildings including the Shaheed-i-Millat and State Life buildings due to violations. Additionally, PIMS, Polyclinic, and Capital Hospital were each fined Rs. 500,000 for safety requirement violations.

In Faisalabad, the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) has launched an initiative to install 20 fire hydrants across various government hospitals, including Allied Hospital-I, Children’s Hospital, and the Faisalabad Institute of Cardiology. This project aims to enhance emergency firefighting capabilities in healthcare facilities following the PIMS incident.