14 Newborns Killed in Fire at Pakistan’s PIMS Hospital in Islamabad
ISLAMABAD — August 26, 2026 — At least 14 newborn babies died and one other was rescued after a fire broke out early Wednesday morning in the neonatal nursery of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), a major government hospital in the capital, officials confirmed .
The blaze erupted at approximately 6:54 a.m. local time on the third floor of the Mother and Child Health Ward, where 15 infants were receiving treatment . According to hospital and rescue officials, the fire was likely triggered by a malfunction or explosion in an air-conditioning unit inside the nursery, which quickly spread due to the presence of oxygen connections .
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Casualties and Rescue Efforts
A hospital spokesperson confirmed that 14 of the 15 newborns present in the ward at the time of the fire suffered fatal burns . One baby was rescued by a doctor and survived . The Islamabad administration reported that six fire brigade vehicles and four ambulances responded to the scene, and the fire was brought under control shortly after it broke out .
The victims included twin babies born to Asia Bibi and children of 13 other families . A full list of the deceased infants and their parents has been released by hospital authorities . Hospital officials stated that due to the severity of the burns, DNA testing would be required to confirm the identities of the victims before their remains could be handed over to their families .
Government Response and Investigation
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep sorrow over the incident and ordered an immediate investigation . His office stated that a tragedy involving children is an “irreparable loss” and called for those responsible to be identified and face the strictest possible action .
A fact-finding committee has been formed to determine the cause of the fire and examine whether negligence or failures in the hospital’s safety systems contributed to the deaths . Islamabad Chief Commissioner Sohail Ashraf confirmed that rescue teams and police were deployed to the site .
Families Question Hospital Response
The tragedy has sparked anger and grief among the bereaved families. Some parents alleged that hospital staff were not present in the incubation centre when the fire broke out, and that they were simply informed their babies had died . Relatives also questioned how such a major fire could occur without other people in the hospital suffering injuries .
The PIMS executive director, Rana Imran Sikandar, stated that the hospital’s fire-safety system was in satisfactory condition, adding that the ward door was not locked but was guarded to prevent baby thefts, a problem that has occurred at other government hospitals . He assured that anyone found responsible for negligence would face strict punishment
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