ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif today suspended Federal Health Secretary, a few hours after fire tragedy at the PIMS hospital which killed 14 infants this morning.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered an immediate inquiry into the PIMS nursery fire that killed 14 infants in Islamabad.
The premier chaired a high-level meeting and expressed strong displeasure over the tragedy and the response of relevant officials.
During the meeting, PM Shehbaz ordered the immediate suspension of Federal Health Secretary Aslam Ghori.
He also formed an inquiry committee to investigate the incident, appointing former interior secretary Shahid Khan as its chairman.
Rescue Operation Completed
State Minister for Interior Talal Chaudhry said rescue teams reached PIMS within six minutes after receiving the fire alert.
He said administrative officers also arrived at the hospital immediately after the rescue operation began.
According to Chaudhry, authorities have handed the bodies of all 14 infants to their families.
He added that officials completed the initial rescue operation and submitted its report to the prime minister and interior minister.
The minister said the inquiry would determine whether negligence contributed to the tragedy.
He added that authorities secured CCTV footage and other evidence from the incident site.
Investigators will also establish how many doctors and staff members were present when the fire erupted.
Probe to Determine Responsibility
The district administration said another inquiry committee, headed by the additional deputy commissioner, would investigate the incident.
The committee will determine the cause of the fire and establish how the tragedy unfolded.
Authorities sealed the Mother and Child Hospital ward following the incident.
Meanwhile, parents alleged that staff members were absent from the incubation centre when the fire started.
PM Shehbaz expressed deep sorrow over the deaths and called the loss of children irreparable.
He also directed authorities to conduct a detailed review and identify those responsible for any negligence.
Premier said that a stern action will be taken against the officials responsible for the PIMS fire tragedy.
