On August 26, 2026, a devastating fire occurred in a nursery for newborns at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences in Islamabad, resulting in the death of 14 babies. The incident took place at a major government hospital, with at least 15 babies present in the nursery when the fire broke out. A solitary child was rescued, confirmed by Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal.
Fire and rescue officials reported that the blaze started around 6:45 a.m. following an explosion in the compressor of an air-conditioning unit situated in the gynecology ward. Firefighters quickly arrived at the scene and managed to extinguish the flames. Cooling operations commenced shortly afterward.
Islamabad Chief Commissioner Suhail Ashraf noted that the fire had been contained, and authorities were collaborating with the affected families. A multiagency fact-finding committee was promptly established by the Islamabad district magistrate, tasked with submitting a report within 24 hours. Its objectives include investigating the fire’s origins and spread, assessing fire-safety measures, and evaluating the emergency response.
Condolences poured in from Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and President Asif Ali Zardari. Prime Minister Sharif highlighted the enormity of the loss involving children and ordered an immediate investigation into the tragedy. President Zardari labeled the deaths as “heartbreaking,” demanding identification and accountability for those responsible. He urged hospitals to enhance fire-safety protocols, especially in newborn wards.
The heartbreaking event sent shockwaves through Pakistan, prompting police deployment at the hospital as mourning parents and relatives gathered. Some were overcome with grief, while others demanded explanations regarding the fire’s origin and the nursery’s firefighting capabilities. Mohammad Sami, a parent, recounted her despair, having lost her child just three days after birth due to the fire. Hospital officials assured families that bodies would be released post-completion of requisite paperwork.
Health Minister Kamal committed to traveling from Karachi to Islamabad to oversee the investigation personally. He indicated that the director-general of health and the federal health secretary were already engaged at the hospital, known for hosting the medical examination of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. Kamal emphasized the importance of prioritizing support for the bereaved families as they receive the infants’ bodies.