Fire Kills Fourteen Newborns at Islamabad Hospital

(MENAFN) At least 14 newborn babies die after a fire breaks out inside a nursery at a major government
hospital in Islamabad on Wednesday, according to officials.

The fire starts at around 7 a.m. local time on the third floor of the Maternal and Child Health
Ward at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences. At the time, 15 newborns are receiving
treatment in the nursery.

Authorities initially report that emergency teams bring the blaze under control soon after it
begins and move 14 babies who suffer severe burns to an intensive care unit. The deaths are later
confirmed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s office.

Hospital spokeswoman Dr. Aneeza Jalil says an electrical short circuit appears to be behind the
fire, according to reports. Other local reports suggest that a problem with the hospital’s air-
conditioning system may have contributed to the incident.

Following the tragedy, Sharif holds an emergency meeting and removes Federal Health
Secretary Aslam Ghori from his position. He also orders the creation of a high-level committee
to investigate how the fire occurred and determine responsibility.

“Such a situation involving children is irreparable. The causes of the incident should be
thoroughly examined, those responsible should be identified, and the strictest possible action
should be taken,” he said.

MENAFN29082026000045017640ID1111594141