Pims fire death toll rises to 15 as lone surviving newborn dies

ISLAMABAD: The death toll from the Pims nursery fire has risen to 15 after the only newborn rescued from the blaze died following days of treatment.

The newborn, named Aizal, was rescued by nurse Razia Noreen, who had saved her from the fire. The baby’s father told Truth Wire that Aizal was premature and had remained in a critical condition for several days before she died.

The fire had broken out in the nursery where 15 newborns were present. Fourteen babies died at the scene, while Aizal was the only child to survive the initial tragedy.

Meanwhile, disciplinary proceedings have been initiated against six Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims) officials over the incident, with charge sheets issued against them.

Executive Director Dr Imran Sikandar has been accused of failing to ensure fire safety and administrative oversight, including not conducting fire drills between January and August 2026.

He has also been accused of failing to take safety measures at the Mother and Child Hospital despite the availability of funds, while simultaneously holding clinical and administrative positions and retaining his government service record.

Director MCH Gynaecology Dr Nosheela Javed has been accused of holding two key positions simultaneously and obstructing the use of facilities established through Japanese assistance.

Dr Aneza Jalil has been accused of unlawfully retaining the administrative post of Deputy Executive Director and delaying notification of the fire emergency by 16 minutes.

Dr Nighat Nawaz has been accused of being absent on the night of the incident, while Dr Saadia Riaz faces allegations of failing to ensure staff availability and supervision.

Muhammad Usman has been accused of remaining absent without approved leave and failing to ensure the availability of firefighting equipment, emergency exits and security staff training.

Joint Executive Director Waris Ali Raza has also been accused of failing to properly supervise security, engineering, maintenance and fire safety.

All six officials have been given 14 days to submit their written responses. They could face major disciplinary penalties, including dismissal from service.