PIMS fire incident: PM Shehbaz approves suspension of 8 officials

Lahore (Web Desk): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved the immediate suspension of eight officials named in the inquiry into the fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad.

The prime minister approved the action during a high-level meeting held in Lahore on Saturday to review the tragic incident and discuss the findings of the investigation.

Those suspended include PIMS Executive Director Professor Dr Imran Sikandar, Joint Executive Directors Dr Mutahir Shah and Dr Owais Ali Shah, Head of the Neonatal Department Professor Dr Sadia Riaz, Senior Registrar Dr Naghma, Dr Nosheela Amjad, PIMS Assistant Director Security Muhammad Usman, and Director General of CDA Emergency Services Dr Abdul Rehman.

The interim report of the inquiry committee was also presented in the meeting, outlining the officials identified in connection with the incident.

PM Shehbaz also directed the relevant authorities to pursue both departmental disciplinary action and criminal cases against those found responsible for the fire.

Those suspended include PIMS Executive Director Professor Dr Imran Sikandar, Joint Executive Directors Dr Mutahir Shah and Dr Owais Ali Shah, Head of the Neonatal Department Professor Dr Sadia Riaz, Senior Registrar Dr Naghma, Dr Nosheela Amjad, PIMS Assistant Director Security Muhammad Usman, and Director General of CDA Emergency Services Dr Abdul Rehman.

The meeting also approved action against the security company and its officials deployed for hospital’s security.

PM Shehbaz further ordered that a nurse and a female security guard who were present in the ward be made Officers on Special Duty (OSDs), while directing that the investigation into the incident should continue.

He directed the authorities to immediately appoint replacements for the officers and personnel removed from their positions to ensure that the hospital’s administrative and medical operations remained unaffected.

PM Shehbaz also approved the award of the Sitara-e-Khidmat for the nurse who risked her own life in an effort to save a baby during the tragedy.

Addressing the meeting, Shehbaz described the deaths of innocent children as a deeply tragic incident that had left the entire nation mourning.

He expressed sympathy with the bereaved parents on behalf of himself and the nation and vowed that those responsible would face strict action in accordance with the law.