NA Members Demand Transparent, Scientific Probe Into PIMS Fire Tragedy
ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 28th Aug, 2026) Members of the National Assembly on Friday called for a transparent and scientific investigation into the tragic fire incident at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), which claimed the lives of 14 newborn babies, and demanded that those found responsible for negligence be held accountable.
Discussion in the National Assembly
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman, Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, led the calls for a high-level and impartial inquiry into the PIMS fire incident, emphasizing that the inquiry report should be made public.
Gohar Ali Khan highlighted the seriousness of the matter, stating that the deaths of innocent newborn babies required detailed discussion and investigation. He noted that such incidents were not uncommon in Pakistan, and urged Parliament and the government to collaborate to prevent future occurrences.
He stressed the need for strict adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs) and regulations, particularly in healthcare facilities. Referring to the PIMS fire, he suggested that several safety regulations and procedures had been disregarded.
Recalling the Gul Plaza fire in Karachi, where families lost their businesses and lives, he referenced a judicial commission's findings that no rules or regulations had been properly implemented. He drew parallels to PIMS, where newborn babies were allegedly left unattended due to the absence of doctors and nurses, and locked doors.
He also questioned the absence of an adequate fire alarm system, suggesting these factors contributed to the tragedy. Gohar Ali Khan proposed compensating the affected families, arguing that governments should provide financial support during such times.
He criticized previous inquiries into similar incidents and urged the House to ensure a high-level, impartial probe into PIMS. He called for the public release of the inquiry report and strict implementation of its recommendations to prevent future tragedies.
Other Members' Contributions
MNA Aliya Kamran, who visited the site with other parliamentarians, expressed sympathy to the bereaved families. She emphasized the need for concrete measures to prevent similar incidents in the future, advocating for safety audits and enhanced fire safety arrangements in government institutions.