Overview
- A fire in the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences neonatal nursery on August 26, 2026 killed 14 infants and left one newborn alive after flames spread rapidly through the third-floor ward.
- The interim government inquiry found the nursery had no fire alarm or sprinkler system, lacked an approved and rehearsed evacuation plan, and reported emergency exits that were locked or obstructed.
- Investigators said emergency services were not contacted until about six minutes after the blaze began and first responders reached the scene around 15 minutes after the call, findings that heightened calls for accountability.
- Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif approved the immediate suspension of eight PIMS and emergency officials, ordered departmental and criminal proceedings, and directed the health minister and health secretary to oversee fixes at PIMS on alternate days.
- The inquiry did not conclusively identify the ignition source and recommended urgent technical inspections of incubators, air conditioners, wiring and other electrical systems while rights groups and lawmakers press for independent hospital safety audits and faster health-sector reform.