PIMS Tragedy Inquiry Report Submitted to Prime Minister

ISLAMABAD: (Special Reporter) – The preliminary investigation report into the tragic fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) has been submitted to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, according to sources.

Sources said the report was sent late Thursday night to the office of Prime Minister’s Adviser Tauqir Shah. The inquiry committee, headed by former Interior Secretary Shahid Khan, prepared and forwarded the report to the Prime Minister’s Office.

The Prime Minister has reportedly been briefed on the findings and recommendations. Sources within the inquiry committee confirmed that the report has reached the Prime Minister’s Office and that the final decision on making its contents public rests with the prime minister.

The investigation follows the deaths of 14 newborn babies in a fire that broke out on August 26 in the neonatal ward of PIMS. Following the tragedy, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered the formation of a high-level committee to determine the causes and identify those responsible.

According to sources, the preliminary report raises concerns about treatment standards and inadequate facilities at the hospital. The report reportedly concludes that several aspects of the hospital’s facilities and operations do not meet international standards.

The inquiry committee has recommended immediate action against those found responsible for the incident. Sources said the report has been signed by all members of the committee and includes its findings regarding the causes of the tragedy and the individuals or departments deemed responsible.

The report also highlights difficulties encountered by rescue teams during the emergency response. It reportedly includes details regarding the absence of relevant PIMS staff and action taken against employees who were found absent during the incident.

Statements from the PIMS administration, doctors and fire brigade rescue teams have also been incorporated into the investigation.

The committee has further proposed measures aimed at preventing similar incidents in the future, with recommendations focusing on hospital facilities, emergency preparedness and the response mechanisms required to protect vulnerable patients.

The Prime Minister’s Office is expected to determine the next course of action after reviewing the committee’s findings and recommendations.