ISLAMABAD: Following the devastating PIMS fire tragedy, details of gross administrative negligence have emerged at the Mother and Child Health Ward where 14 newborns lost their lives.
Declassified records reveal that the Capital Fire Services had repeatedly warned the PIMS management about poor fire safety systems since 2018.
Repeated Notices Ignored Since 2018
According to official documents, the fire services imposed a fine of Rs 500,000 on PIMS and even warned of sealing the hospital, citing closed emergency exits and exposed wiring.
The final notice, issued on November 10, 2025, explicitly stated that failure to adopt safety measures amounted to wilful negligence. Copies of the warning were also sent to the Ministry of National Health, CAD, MCI and CDA.
Federal Action, Suspensions After PIMS fire tragedy
Taking strict notice of the tragedy, the federal government suspended PIMS Executive Director Dr. Imran Sikandar for four months.
A formal notification issued by the Ministry of Health confirmed that Dr. Muhammad Salman, Chief Executive of the National Institute of Health, has been appointed Executive Director of PIMS on deputation for three years. He will also continue to hold his NIH charge.
New Appointments to Key Posts
To stabilize hospital operations, several additional charges have been assigned: Dr. Altaf Hussain as Joint Executive Director Non‑Medical, Dr. Nuzhat Yasmin as Joint Executive Director Children’s Hospital, Dr. Shumaila as Head of Gynecology, Dr. Rehmana Waris as Associate Professor Pediatrics, Dr. Amna as Senior Registrar Gynecology (MCH), and Hassan Ashraf as Assistant Director Security.
Compensation for Victims’ Families
The government has also announced financial compensation of Rs 5 million each for the families of the 14 newborns who perished in the blaze.
PIMS Fire Tragedy Background
Earlier, the inquiry committee led by former Interior Secretary Shahid Khan had identified causes, responsibilities, and systemic failures at PIMS.
The revelations of ignored fire safety notices now underscore the depth of negligence that contributed to the tragedy, intensifying calls for accountability and reforms in hospital safety infrastructure.
