Archive · 26 Aug 2026
Fourteen Infants Die in PIMS Fire, Sparking Pakistan Outrage
A fire broke out in a hospital nursery in Islamabad, Pakistan.
There were 15 newborn babies inside, and 14 died.
Hospital officials said an electrical problem may have started the fire.
Witnesses said a maternity ward door was locked.
People had to break doors and windows to reach the babies.
A safety report said emergency exits were blocked or locked.
Many people believe poor safety planning and delayed rescue made the tragedy worse.
Opposition politicians called for the health minister to resign.
The government formed a committee to investigate what happened.
Fourteen of 15 newborns died in a fire at Islamabad’s Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, while one survived.
Hospital authorities said an electrical fault in an air-conditioning unit appeared to have started the blaze.
Witnesses reported that maternity ward doors were locked, forcing people and rescuers to break doors and windows.
A Capital Development Authority report found inadequate fire-safety arrangements, locked or obstructed emergency exits, and interference from security staff.
Opposition politicians and citizens blamed negligence and demanded accountability, including the resignation of Health Minister Mustafa Kamal.
- Who
- Fourteen newborns died, while one newborn survived; hospital officials, rescuers, government representatives and opposition politicians responded.
- What
- A fire killed 14 infants at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences.
- When
- The article does not specify when the fire occurred.
- Where
- The fire occurred in the maternity ward of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences in Islamabad, Pakistan.
- Why
- Hospital authorities attributed the blaze to an apparent electrical fault in an air-conditioning unit; critics also cited inadequate fire safety, locked or obstructed exits and delayed access.
Official Account
Critics’ Account
Cause of the fire
Official Account
Hospital authorities said an electrical fault in an air-conditioning unit appeared to have started the blaze.
Critics’ Account
Critics argued that the deaths reflected broader systemic negligence and inadequate hospital safety measures.
Emergency response
Official Account
Government representatives defended relief and rescue efforts at the hospital.
Critics’ Account
Witnesses and a Capital Development Authority report said locked or obstructed exits, closed doors and interference by security staff hindered the response.
Political responsibility
Official Account
Officials focused on investigation, rescue and relief following the tragedy.
Critics’ Account
Opposition politicians and commentators demanded accountability and called for Mustafa Kamal to resign.
- Deaths
- 14 newborns died.
- Survivor
- One of the 15 newborns survived.
- Hospital
- Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, Islamabad.
- Reported cause
- An apparent electrical fault in an air-conditioning unit.
- Safety findings
- Emergency exits and escape routes were reportedly locked or obstructed, and fire-safety arrangements were inadequate.
- Investigation
- The Islamabad district administration formed a fact-finding committee and gave it 24 hours to submit its report.
- Political demand
- Former Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf ministers Fawad Chaudhry and Shireen Mazari called for Health Minister Mustafa Kamal’s resignation.