ISLAMABAD: The deadly fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad has sparked questions over the official death toll.
The government has confirmed that 14 newborns died in the blaze. However, opposition leaders have challenged the figure and claimed that many more children may have lost their lives. PPP leader Dr Shazia Subia cited accounts from grieving families and claimed that between 40 and 50 children may have died.
PTI leader Faheem Khan also raised similar concerns after visiting the hospital.
The conflicting claims have intensified calls for a transparent investigation into the tragedy and the number of fatalities.
Families Raise Questions Over Identification
Parents of the deceased children have reportedly questioned the process used to identify and hand over the bodies.
They allege that the remains of some burnt children were handed over without DNA testing. Consequently, families are demanding greater clarity over the identification process.
The government, meanwhile, continues to maintain that 14 infants died during the fire. Officials have also said that one newborn was rescued from the nursery.
The blaze reportedly broke out in the Mother and Child Health ward. Initial reports attributed the incident to an air-conditioning system failure.
Government Orders Investigation
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has suspended the federal health secretary following the incident. He has also ordered a high-level inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the fire. The investigation is expected to examine the cause of the blaze, emergency response and the reported discrepancy over the death toll.
Meanwhile, the tragedy has attracted condolences from several countries. Saudi Arabia, Iran, Türkiye, France, Spain, China, Nigeria, Afghanistan and the United Kingdom have expressed sympathy over the loss of lives.
As the inquiry continues, families remain focused on obtaining clear answers about what happened inside the hospital.
The disagreement over the number of deaths has also increased public concern. Therefore, authorities face growing pressure to establish the facts and ensure accountability for the tragedy.
