Aslam Ghauri was serving as the Federal Secretary for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination. In this role, he was the top bureaucrat responsible for overseeing all federal hospitals, health policies, and regulatory bodies, including the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences in Islamabad.
On August 26, 2026, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif suspended Aslam Ghauri hours after a deadly fire in the nursery ward of PIMS killed at least 14 to 15 newborn infants. The fire broke out around 7 a.m. on the third floor of the hospital in the mother and child health ward.
It was reportedly triggered by an air conditioning compressor explosion. There were 16 newborns in the ward at the time, and only one child was rescued. The suspension came amid intense pressure from grieving parents, political parties, and medical associations. Parents gathered outside PIMS demanding accountability and the termination of all relevant staff of the nursery ward.
They alleged that negligence in safety measures and lack of proper emergency arrangements led to the deaths. A father who lost his three-day-old baby said no one could understand the pain he was going through.
The Pakistan Medical Association said administrative failure and regulatory oversight lapses had turned hospitals into danger zones and demanded strict action against officials responsible. The PTI called it a serious failure of the hospital’s safety and management system and demanded the resignation of the health minister.
Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gilani said any negligence in safety measures was unacceptable and urged a comprehensive investigation.
The Prime Minister’s office said those responsible should be identified and the strictest action should be taken. As Federal Secretary Health, Aslam Ghauri was the administrative head accountable for oversight of PIMS and implementation of safety protocols in federal health facilities.
The government ordered an immediate inquiry into the fire and suspended the secretary to ensure an independent probe. The Ministry of National Health Services has faced criticism in the past over issues at PIMS, including staff shortages, delayed treatment, and funding problems.
As secretary, Ghauri was responsible for policy implementation, hospital funding, and coordination between the PIMS administration and the federal government.
Authorities have now started departmental proceedings against him. The government has also been urged to conduct fire safety audits and ensure emergency systems are in place in all public hospitals so that no other family has to suffer due to such negligence.
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