At least 14 newborns were killed after a fire broke out at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad on Wednesday, August 26, 2026. The blaze erupted in the nursery of the hospital’s Mother and Child Health ward, according to Pakistani officials and hospital sources.
The tragedy has shocked Pakistan and raised fresh questions about fire safety and emergency preparedness in major public hospitals. An investigation has been ordered to determine exactly how the fire started and whether safety failures contributed to the deaths.
Fire Breaks Out at PIMS Nursery
The fire broke out early Wednesday morning on the third floor of the Mother and Child Health ward at PIMS, one of Islamabad’s largest government hospitals. The affected area included a nursery where newborn babies were receiving medical care.
According to the Islamabad administration, emergency teams were quickly sent to the hospital after the fire was reported. Six fire brigade vehicles and four ambulances were deployed during the rescue operation.
Officials said the fire was brought under control after firefighters reached the affected ward. Rescue personnel then worked to assess the area and assist patients and medical staff.
14 Newborns Confirmed Dead
The Islamabad administration confirmed that 14 newborns died in the incident. PIMS officials said 15 babies were in the ward when the fire occurred, while at least one infant was rescued by a doctor.
Some early media reports have cited a higher death toll of 15 or different figures for the number of babies present in the nursery. Because the incident is still developing, authorities are continuing to verify the final casualty figures. Reuters reported that local broadcaster Geo TV had put the death toll at 15, while the official confirmation from the Islamabad administration and the prime minister’s office reported 14 deaths.
For this reason, the confirmed figure should be treated cautiously until the authorities complete their verification.
Possible Cause Under Investigation
The exact cause of the fire has not yet been conclusively established.
PIMS spokesperson Dr. Aneeza Jalil told Dawn that the fire appeared to have been caused by a short circuit. Other Pakistani reports have cited a possible malfunction or explosion involving an air-conditioning compressor inside the nursery.
Authorities have not yet issued a final technical finding.
An inquiry committee has been formed to investigate the circumstances surrounding the blaze. The committee is expected to examine the cause of the fire, the hospital’s safety arrangements and the response during the emergency.
Rescue Teams Responded Quickly
The Capital Emergency Service and fire department responded to the emergency.
According to the Associated Press, the fire was reported at around 6:45 a.m., while Pakistan’s state news agency reported that the fire call was received at approximately 6:54 a.m. Rescue teams reached the hospital within minutes.
Firefighters brought the blaze under control and rescue operations continued inside the affected area.
The speed of the response is now likely to form part of the official investigation. Authorities will need to establish whether emergency systems worked as intended and whether the nursery had adequate evacuation and fire-protection arrangements.
Hospital Safety Questions Raised
The tragedy has also raised concerns about the condition of the hospital building.
A relative of a patient told Dawn that renovation and repair work was reportedly taking place in the building where the nursery was located. Women who had recently given birth were reportedly asked to leave the building after the fire started.
These details will need to be examined by investigators before any conclusions can be drawn.
Hospitals require particularly strong fire-safety systems because many patients cannot move without assistance. Newborns in intensive-care or nursery units face an even greater risk because they depend on medical equipment and trained staff.
Prime Minister Orders Investigation
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep sorrow over the deaths and ordered an immediate investigation into the incident.
His office said the causes of the fire should be examined and those responsible should be identified if negligence is established.
Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also expressed condolences to the families of the newborns.
The government has indicated that the circumstances surrounding the fire will be investigated rather than treated simply as an accident.
PIMS Is a Major Public Hospital
The Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, commonly known as PIMS, is one of Islamabad’s most important public healthcare institutions.
The hospital was established in 1985 and includes several hospitals and teaching institutions. It serves patients from Islamabad as well as surrounding areas.
Because of its importance to the capital’s healthcare system, the incident could lead to wider discussions about safety standards in public hospitals across Pakistan.
Why Fire Safety Matters in Hospitals
Hospital fires can become particularly dangerous when patients cannot evacuate independently.
Newborns, patients in intensive care and people recovering from surgery require special assistance during emergencies. Hospitals therefore need functioning alarms, fire exits, emergency lighting, firefighting equipment and clearly defined evacuation procedures.
Regular inspections and maintenance of electrical and air-conditioning systems are also important.
The PIMS investigation could determine whether any of these areas require improvement.
Families Face a Devastating Loss
The deaths have left families facing an enormous personal tragedy.
The newborns were receiving care in a hospital nursery when the fire occurred. Their parents and relatives are now seeking answers about how the disaster happened and whether it could have been prevented.
The investigation will be important not only for establishing responsibility but also for preventing similar incidents in the future.
Investigation Could Bring Answers
The inquiry committee is expected to examine the fire’s origin, the condition of the affected ward, emergency procedures and the response of hospital authorities.
Investigators may also review electrical systems, air-conditioning equipment, fire alarms and evacuation arrangements.
Until the investigation is completed, claims about negligence or the precise cause of the blaze should be treated as unconfirmed.
Conclusion
The Islamabad hospital fire at PIMS has resulted in the deaths of at least 14 newborns, according to the Islamabad administration and Pakistan’s prime minister’s office.
The fire broke out in the Mother and Child Health ward early Wednesday morning. Emergency teams responded with fire engines and ambulances, and the blaze was brought under control.
While officials have mentioned possible electrical or air-conditioning faults, the exact cause remains under investigation. Conflicting early reports about the number of babies and deaths also mean that the final casualty figure should be confirmed by authorities before publication.
The incident has brought hospital fire safety and emergency preparedness into sharp focus. The inquiry will be closely watched by families, healthcare workers and the wider public as authorities work to determine what happened and whether similar tragedies can be prevented.
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