ISLAMABAD: A wave of international condolences has reached Pakistan following the tragic fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad that claimed the lives of at least 14 newborn babies.
Saudi Arabia was among the countries that expressed solidarity with Pakistan. In a statement, the Saudi Foreign Ministry offered its “sincere condolences and sympathy” to the families of the victims and conveyed support to the Pakistani government and people.
The ministry said the Kingdom stood alongside the bereaved families and Pakistan during the difficult period, while praying for the country’s continued security and safety.
Messages of sympathy were also received from Iran, Türkiye, China, the United Kingdom, France, Spain, Nigeria, Syria and Afghanistan.
The British High Commission described the incident as heartbreaking and extended its condolences to the parents and families who lost their children.
Türkiye’s embassy said it was deeply saddened by the loss of newborn lives, while France and Spain also expressed sympathy for the victims and everyone affected by the tragedy.
Iran conveyed condolences from its government and people to the families of the deceased as well as Pakistan’s government and citizens.
China’s embassy expressed deep sorrow over the deaths and offered condolences to the bereaved families.
Nigeria, Syria and Afghanistan also expressed solidarity with Pakistan and the grieving families.
Deadly PIMS fire sparks investigation
The fire broke out at around 7am on the third floor of PIMS’ Mother and Child Health ward, according to reports.
Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal said the blaze erupted following an air-conditioner blast and that the large quantity of oxygen present in the ward contributed to the rapid spread of the fire.
The tragedy has raised serious questions about fire safety arrangements and emergency preparedness at the public hospital. Authorities have launched an investigation and pledged to hold those responsible accountable.
Television footage showed extensive damage inside the affected ward, with blackened walls, damaged equipment and heavy smoke. The area was subsequently sealed off as investigators began examining the scene.
The tragedy also left families devastated. Relatives of the deceased newborns gathered outside the hospital, with some alleging that staff were not present when the fire started and that access and emergency exits were inadequate.
A bereaved mother, Javeria, claimed there was no doctor or nurse inside the ward at the time of the incident, while another parent, Mudasir, alleged that the building lacked proper fire protection and functioning emergency exits.
Health Minister Kamal rejected claims that doctors and medical staff were absent during the incident.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered an inquiry into the tragedy and suspended the health secretary following the deaths.
PIMS is one of Islamabad’s principal public-sector hospitals and serves a large population in the federal capital. The incident has renewed concerns over safety standards and emergency facilities at government-run healthcare institutions.
