ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered strict administrative action following the tragic death of 14 newborn babies in a fire at the nursery of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), suspending Health Secretary Aslam Ghori with immediate effect.
Chairing an emergency meeting on the incident, the prime minister expressed serious concern over the loss of innocent lives and said no excuses, negligence or delays would be tolerated in the investigation into the tragedy.
Health Secretary Suspended
During the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz ordered the immediate suspension of Health Secretary Aslam Ghori over alleged administrative and safety failures at the hospital.
The prime minister said the grief of the victims’ families could only be addressed through strict and impartial accountability. He directed authorities to ensure that those found responsible for negligence face appropriate action under the law.
High-Level Inquiry Committee Formed
To ensure a transparent and impartial investigation, the prime minister constituted a high-level inquiry committee headed by former Interior Secretary Shahid Khan.
The committee has been tasked with determining the immediate cause of the nursery fire, examining why the fire-safety system failed and investigating any negligence or lapses on the part of hospital staff.
The committee will submit a comprehensive report on its findings.
PM Orders Accountability and Safety Audit
Prime Minister Shehbaz made it clear that the inquiry should not be reduced to a formal exercise and directed authorities to identify all those responsible for the tragedy.
He also ordered a fresh audit of safety arrangements at children’s wards and nurseries in hospitals across the country to help prevent similar incidents in the future.
The government’s action comes after the devastating PIMS nursery fire claimed the lives of 14 newborns, leaving families demanding answers over the hospital’s safety arrangements, emergency response and possible administrative lapses.
