Fire at Islamabad Maternity Unit Kills 14 Newborns

Overview

• The blaze broke out on the third-floor neonatal and maternity ward and left at least 14 newborns dead with one infant rescued, officials and local media reported on Wednesday.
• Hospital spokespeople and the health minister said an electrical fault in an air-conditioning unit ignited the fire and oxygen connections helped the flames spread rapidly.
• Families and witnesses say doors were locked, smoke blocked exits, and rescuers were delayed, while senior local officials say police and emergency teams arrived quickly; those accounts are under review.
• Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif suspended the federal health secretary and ordered a committee to report within 24 hours; police say badly burned bodies will need DNA tests before release to families.
• UNICEF and lawmakers have called for urgent strengthening of fire-prevention rules and safety systems after the tragedy, and the incident has renewed scrutiny of infrastructure and oversight at Pakistan’s public hospitals.