14 newborns die after fire breaks out at hospital's maternity ward in Pakistan's Islamabad
PTC News Desk: At least 14 newborns were killed after a fire broke out at a state-run hospital in Pakistan's Islamabad on Wednesday. The incident is described as one of the deadliest hospital fires in the country in recent years.
The fire broke out inside the maternity ward of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) at around 7 am. Preliminary investigation suggests a fault in the air-conditioning system as possible cause behind the blaze, however precise cause was not immediately established.
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Fire in Islamabad Hospital Nursery Claims Lives of 14 Infants
A fire broke out early Wednesday morning in the neonatal unit of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences in Islamabad, caused by a malfunction in an air-conditioning unit, killing 14 infants out of… pic.twitter.com/f9qdlEIzpP — mahmoud khalil (@sahel2212) August 26, 2026
The fire was brought under control quickly, but cooling operations continued for some time. The Islamabad administration said six fire engines and four ambulances were used during the rescue operation. The affected hospital ward was later sealed off.
The incident is being described as one of the deadliest hospital fires in Pakistan in recent years. It has also raised concerns about the condition of the country’s public healthcare system. Government hospitals provide subsidised treatment but often face problems such as overcrowding and a lack of resources. Watchdog groups have also repeatedly raised concerns about poor management at state-run hospitals.
Shehbaz Sharif expresses grief
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed “deep sorrow and heartfelt regret” over the deaths and ordered an immediate investigation into the incident.
His office said those responsible for any negligence should be identified and face the “strictest action.”
The Islamabad administration has also set up an inquiry committee headed by the Additional Deputy Commissioner General. The committee will investigate the fire, determine its cause and examine how the incident happened.
- With inputs from agencies
