PIMS Tragedy: Initial inquiry report submitted to PM Shehbaz

Islamabad (Web Desk): The preliminary findings of the inquiry into the into the deadly fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) have been submitted to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, with the investigation panel identifying the circumstances that contributed to the incident, assigning responsibility and suggesting measures against officials found guilty of negligence.

According to sources, the inquiry was conducted by a committee headed by former interior secretary Shahid Khan, which prepared the report after examining various aspects of the incident.

The committee presented the document late Friday at the office of Prime Minister’s Adviser Tauqeer Shah. During the meeting, members also explained the major findings of the investigation and shared their recommendations with the officials concerned.

The sources added that all members of the inquiry panel have signed the report, formally endorsing its findings. The final decision on whether the report will be released publicly has been left with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

The investigators looked into the sequence of events surrounding the tragedy and assessed the difficulties and operational shortcomings faced by rescue personnel while responding to the emergency.

The committee has proposed disciplinary action against PIMS staff members who were found to be away from their assigned duties when the incident took place.

Alongside fixing responsibility, the report contains recommendations designed to strengthen emergency preparedness and reduce the chances of a similar tragedy occurring in the future.

During the inquiry, the panel obtained accounts from PIMS administrators and doctors, as well as members of the fire brigade and rescue services who participated in the emergency response.

The committee also highlighted serious concerns regarding the hospital’s treatment arrangements and the lack of sufficient facilities at PIMS.

Its assessment noted that the healthcare infrastructure currently available at the hospital does not conform to international standards.

Sources further said that the inquiry panel has called for swift action by the prime minister against officials whose negligence is established through the investigation.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reportedly decided to act on the committee’s findings, with proceedings against the officials held responsible likely to be initiated shortly.

Sources within the inquiry committee confirmed that the findings have now been formally transmitted to the Prime Minister’s Office.