ISLAMABAD: The inquiry into the deadly fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) has entered its final stage, with the committee formed on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s directives expected to submit its report today.
The committee is investigating the cause of the fire and examining whether negligence or administrative failures contributed to the tragedy.
PIMS Fire Inquiry Reviews Evidence
Investigators have examined several pieces of evidence to establish what happened before and during the fire.
The committee took possession of CCTV footage from the hospital’s nursery. It also recorded statements from PIMS employees and questioned staff members about the incident and the emergency response.
In addition, investigators reviewed reports prepared by the fire brigade and the hospital’s emergency department. These documents could help establish the sequence of events and assess how authorities responded after the fire broke out.
Meanwhile, the PIMS administration has formed a separate inquiry committee to conduct its own investigation alongside the committee constituted by the prime minister.
The National Assembly Standing Committee on Health has also expressed serious concern over the tragedy. Members questioned the performance of doctors and other staff who were on duty when the fire occurred.
The parliamentary committee called for the suspension of the doctors and staff members present at the time. It also demanded the resignation of Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal.
CDA Raises Fire Safety Concerns
The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has separately taken up the issue of fire safety arrangements at PIMS.
The authority has once again written to the relevant departments, stressing the need for effective fire prevention and emergency response arrangements at the hospital.
The development comes amid broader concerns about fire safety measures at healthcare facilities following the PIMS tragedy.
Meanwhile, a petition seeking the formation of a judicial commission to investigate the incident has been filed before the Islamabad High Court.
The petitioner has called for an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fire and the response of hospital authorities.
Questions Over Cause of PIMS Fire
Dr Mahesh Kumar also visited PIMS and inspected the hospital following the tragedy. During his visit, he raised questions about the initial explanation given for the cause of the fire.
Officials had initially attributed the fire to an air conditioner. However, Dr Mahesh said the subsequent investigation indicated that the air conditioner was not operating when the incident occurred.
He questioned how the appliance could have caused the fire if it was switched off at the time.
Dr Mahesh also expressed doubts about statements provided by nursing staff. He suggested that nurses may have received a common version of events before giving their accounts.
His remarks have added to growing questions about the circumstances surrounding the fire and the accuracy of the initial explanation.
The inquiry committee is now reviewing CCTV footage, staff statements, fire brigade reports and emergency department records.
It is also assessing PIMS’s fire safety arrangements and emergency response procedures. The final report is expected to clarify the cause of the fire and determine whether negligence or administrative failures played a role in the tragedy.
