PIMS Tragedy: Hospital Administration Launches Action Against Six Officers Over Deadly Fire
ISLAMABAD, September 17, 2026: The administration of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) has initiated departmental proceedings against six officers over alleged lapses in fire safety, supervision and emergency preparedness following the deadly nursery fire that claimed the lives of newborns.
The officers have been served charge sheets outlining allegations related to administrative shortcomings, fire-safety arrangements and failures in emergency preparedness. They have been given 14 days to submit their written responses to the allegations.
Six PIMS Officers Face Departmental Proceedings
The officials facing departmental action include PIMS Executive Director Professor Dr Rana Imran Sikandar, Head of Gynaecology Department Professor Dr Nosheela Javed, Dr Nigham Nawaz, Professor Dr Saadia Riaz, Muhammad Usman and Joint Executive Director Waris Ali Raza.
The charge sheets contain allegations concerning fire-safety arrangements, administrative supervision, staff availability and emergency response procedures. The proceedings will allow the officers to respond before any final disciplinary decision is taken.
PIMS Fire Killed 15 Newborns
The action follows the devastating fire that broke out in the neonatal intensive care unit on the third floor of the Mother and Child Health ward at PIMS on August 26.
Initially, 14 newborns were reported dead, while one infant was rescued by a nurse and shifted for medical treatment. The surviving infant later died while receiving treatment, bringing the reported death toll to 15.
The tragedy prompted a high-level investigation into the cause of the fire, the hospital's safety arrangements, emergency response and possible negligence.
Inquiry Points to Electrical Failure
A comprehensive inquiry into the incident found that a localised electrical failure was the most probable cause of the fire.
According to the inquiry findings reported by Dawn, abnormal localised electrical heating may have resulted from excessive current, a high-resistance connection or another localised electrical defect. Investigators identified an electrical supply cable associated with an air-conditioning unit as the most probable point of ignition.
The inquiry also found broader systemic and institutional failures at the hospital that contributed to the severity of the tragedy.
Questions Over Fire Safety and Emergency Preparedness
The charge sheets reportedly raise questions about the absence of effective emergency standard operating procedures and evacuation arrangements for the nursery.
The documents also allege that no fire drill was conducted in the nursery or Mother and Child Health area during the period from January to August 2026.
Officials have also been accused of failing to take sufficient corrective measures after an earlier fire incident at the PIMS nursing hostel in July.
These allegations remain subject to the departmental proceedings and responses from the officers involved.
Administrative Oversight Under Scrutiny
The proceedings also focus on the responsibilities of senior hospital officials for maintaining fire-safety arrangements and coordinating with relevant departments.
According to the reported charge sheets, some officials have been accused of failing to ensure adequate supervision, firefighting equipment, emergency routes and coordination between departments.
The inquiry process is expected to determine individual responsibility based on the evidence and the duties assigned to each official.
Earlier Action Against Officials
The latest departmental proceedings follow earlier government action after the tragedy.
On August 29, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif approved the immediate suspension of eight officials identified by the inquiry committee and ordered departmental as well as criminal proceedings against those found responsible.
The subsequent comprehensive inquiry provided further findings regarding the electrical cause of the blaze and institutional shortcomings.
What Happens Next?
The six officers now have an opportunity to submit their written replies within 14 days. Their responses will be considered as part of the departmental process.
The charge sheets state that major penalties, including dismissal from service, may be imposed if the allegations are established under the applicable rules. However, no final disciplinary outcome should be treated as established until the proceedings are completed.
The PIMS tragedy has also intensified calls for stronger fire-safety systems, regular emergency drills, accessible evacuation routes and better preparedness for protecting vulnerable patients, particularly newborns who cannot evacuate independently.
The case remains an important test of how hospitals address safety responsibilities after a major emergency and how individual accountability is determined alongside broader institutional reforms.
Sources: The News, Geo News, Dawn, Radio Pakistan and Associated Press of Pakistan (APP).
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