ISLAMABAD: Police have initiated an inquiry into the deaths of 14 newborn babies at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), with proceedings being conducted under Section 174 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC).
According to sources, the provision relates to police inquiries into certain deaths. The investigation follows the deaths reported during a recent fire incident at the hospital.
As part of the inquiry, police have begun recording statements from PIMS officials who were suspended following the incident.
Sources said officials nominated in connection with the case will appear before investigators at Karachi Company Police Station, where their statements will be recorded.
The investigation is also being carried out in view of the findings and proceedings of the inquiry committee constituted by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to determine the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
Further legal proceedings will be initiated in accordance with the findings of the police investigation, sources said.
PIMS nurse praised for rescue effort
Meanwhile, PIMS nurse Razia Noreen has received widespread recognition for her bravery during the fire after she entered a smoke-filled room to rescue a newborn.
In an interview with The Washington Post, Noreen recalled how she rushed into the fire-hit room with the intention of saving the infants trapped inside and managed to bring one newborn to safety within eight seconds.
She said she did not think about her own safety while entering the burning room, adding that her focus was solely on protecting the babies.
“I did not think about becoming a hero; I simply performed my duty as a nurse and as a mother,” she said, according to the newspaper.
Noreen said her only priority at the time was ensuring that the infants survived the incident.
Her actions have since earned praise from people across different sections of society, with many hailing her decision to risk her own life in an attempt to save a vulnerable newborn.
