# PIMS hospital fire in Islamabad

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/pims-hospital-fire-in-islamabad
> Updated: 2026-08-27T14:40:24.000Z. Sources: 366. Developments: 2.

A fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad resulted in the deaths of 14 to 15 newborn babies in the hospital’s maternity and neonatal ward. The blaze, which occurred in the early morning, was reportedly caused by an explosion in an air conditioning unit or a technical fault involving a nebulizer. High concentrations of medical oxygen near incubators caused the fire to spread rapidly through the third-floor nursery.

In the immediate aftermath, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif established a five-member inquiry committee to investigate the cause and potential negligence. The federal government also suspended Health Secretary Aslam Ghauri. Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal has since pledged that “not a single individual will be spared” if negligence is uncovered, proposing a joint investigation committee involving members from the National Assembly and the Senate to utilize digital evidence and eyewitness statements.

Following the incident, both houses of Parliament approved motions for special committees to investigate. However, opposition lawmakers have expressed skepticism regarding the current proceedings, demanding a joint committee that includes opposition members to ensure transparency. 

Additionally, 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 had already identified significant fire safety deficiencies in many Islamabad buildings.

## Claims

- Health Minister Mustafa Kamal pledged that anyone found negligent in the PIMS hospital fire will be held accountable. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- There were 15 children in the gynaecology ward at the time of the fire, with only one being rescued. (single source)
- The Human Rights Council of Pakistan called for an investigation into staffing levels and neonatal care standards. (single source)
- Both houses of Parliament approved motions seeking special committees to investigate the tragedy. (single source)
- The federal health secretary was removed from his post following the incident. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-27: PIMS hospital fire in Islamabad kills newborns, sparks investigation

A fire at Islamabad's PIMS hospital killed at least 14 newborns, prompting parliamentary probes and calls for accountability regarding hospital safety and staffing standards.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/islamabad-pims-hospital-fire-kills-multiple-newborns

### 2026-08-25: PIMS Hospital fire in Islamabad kills 14 newborns

At least 14 newborns died in a fast-moving fire at the PIMS hospital nursery in Islamabad. An inquiry committee has been formed, and the Health Secretary has been suspended as investigations continue.

365 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pakistan-institute-of-medical-sciences-fire-kills-at-least-13-infants

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Cite as: PIMS hospital fire in Islamabad. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/pims-hospital-fire-in-islamabad