By Safina khan / London: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered the strictest possible action following the devastating fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad, in which several newborn babies lost their lives.
An emergency meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to review the tragic incident has concluded, with the Prime Minister expressing strong displeasure and anger over the loss of innocent lives.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister ordered immediate action against those responsible for any negligence or failure that may have contributed to the tragedy.
In a significant move, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif suspended the Secretary of Health during the meeting and directed him to leave the meeting, signalling the government’s serious concern over the incident and the hospital’s handling of the situation.
The fire reportedly broke out in the neonatal nursery at PIMS, where newborn babies were receiving treatment. Initial reports said that 16 babies were present in the nursery, with only one reportedly rescued alive, while the death toll has been reported at 14, although some early reports cited 15.
The incident has triggered grief and anger among the affected families, with parents demanding accountability and answers over how such a tragedy could occur inside a major government hospital.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure that those found responsible face strict consequences.
The tragedy has also renewed questions over fire safety arrangements, emergency response systems, equipment maintenance and accountability in public hospitals.
For the grieving families, however, no action can compensate for the loss of their newborn children.
The most valuable thing in life is a human life especially the life of an innocent child. The tragedy at PIMS has left families asking one painful question: who will be held responsible?
