A preliminary inquiry into the fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) that killed 14 newborns has identified the causes of the tragedy and determined responsibility, according to sources familiar with the report.
The inquiry committee, headed by former interior secretary Shahid Khan, submitted its report late at night to the office of Prime Minister’s Adviser Tauqir Shah, who subsequently forwarded it to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and briefed him on its principal findings and recommendations.
Sources said the report bears the signatures of all members of the inquiry committee and includes recommendations for action against those found responsible.
Among its findings, the committee reportedly identified PIMS staff members who were absent from duty when the fire occurred and recommended action against them.
The inquiry also examined difficulties encountered by firefighters and rescue personnel during the emergency. Statements from members of the PIMS administration, doctors, fire brigade personnel and rescue teams were incorporated into the investigation.
The committee assessed the hospital’s treatment facilities, emergency preparedness and available resources, reportedly concluding that facilities at PIMS fell short of international standards.
In addition to assigning responsibility for the incident, the report contains recommendations aimed at addressing existing shortcomings and preventing similar disasters at the hospital in the future.
The committee has urged the prime minister to take action against officials found responsible for failures that contributed to the tragedy.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is expected to consider the findings promptly, with disciplinary proceedings against responsible officials likely to follow, according to sources.