ISLAMABAD: Islamabad police officials are waiting for orders from the government to register criminal cases against the officials of the Pakistan Institute for Medical Sciences (PIMS) for their negligence that killed 14 newborn babies last week.
According to sources, the Ministry of Health has not made a final decision about initiating criminal proceedings in the case.
Police are awaiting a formal complaint from the ministry before taking further action. They are also waiting for government instructions about registering an FIR.
Meanwhile, police have prepared an initial report under Section 174 regarding the deaths.
Sources said legal consultations remain underway, while authorities will prepare a formal complaint after reaching a final decision.
The existing Section 174 report could also be converted into a formal criminal case, sources said.
Once authorities register an FIR, police will begin a formal investigation into the deaths.
PM Orders Criminal Action Against Those Responsible
Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered criminal proceedings against those responsible for the fire at PIMS in Islamabad.
The fire killed 14 newborn babies and prompted the government to launch an investigation into possible negligence and administrative failures.
The prime minister chaired a meeting after an interim investigation report was presented to him, according to an official statement.
The committee recommended immediate suspension of eight officials, including PIMS Executive Director Professor Dr Imran Sikandar.
Those suspended also included Joint Executive Directors Dr Tahir Shah and Dr Owais Shah and neonatal department head Professor Dr Saadia Riaz.
Senior registrars Dr Naghma and Dr Nousheela Amjad also faced suspension over the incident.
Furthermore, authorities suspended PIMS Assistant Director Security Muhammad Usman and CDA Emergency Services Director General Dr Abdul Rahman.
Shehbaz directed authorities to pursue criminal action against anyone responsible for negligence and rejected any leniency for those found guilty.
PM Shehbaz also ordered a strict action against the security company and its officials for their negligence in this tragic incident.
