ISLAMABAD: Condolences from around the world poured in after 14 newborns were killed in a fire that erupted in the nursery of Islamabad's biggest public hospital.
The fire, which broke out around dawn in the nursery of the Maternal and Child Healthcare Ward at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, remained confined to the nursery on the third floor and did not affect the rest of the hospital.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, during an emergency meeting on the incident, expressed strong displeasure at the deaths and ordered the strictest action against those found responsible. President Asif Ali Zardari also expressed profound grief and sorrow over the tragic incident and ordered that the responsible parties be identified and dealt with in accordance with the law.
The Saudi Foreign Ministry expressed Riyadh’s “sincere condolences and sympathy to the families of the deceased, and to the government and people of Pakistan.” The Kingdom added that it stood with the government and the people in the wake of the tragic incident, wishing the people continued safety and security.
Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand said she was heartbroken to hear about the fire and said that she had contacted her counterpart, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, “to express our condolences.”
“My thoughts are with the families who have tragically lost their newborns and with everyone affected by this tragedy,” she said in a post on X.
The Azerbaijani foreign ministry said it was “deeply saddened” by the tragic fire, extending the government’s deepest condolences to the bereaved families and wishing a speedy recovery to the injured.
“We express our solidarity with the Government and people of brotherly Pakistan in this moment of profound sorrow,” the ministry said in a post on X.
Ukrainian foreign minister Andrii Sybiha also extended Kyiv’s “deepest condolences to the bereaved families" adding that it shared "their grief at this time of profound loss."
“Our thoughts are with all those affected by this heartbreaking tragedy and the people of Pakistan,” he said.
German ambassador to Pakistan Ina Lepel hoped that the bereaved families would find “strength and comfort in this difficult hour.”
Finland’s foreign minister Elina Valtonen was deeply saddened by the loss of so many young lives, offering her heartfelt condolences to the families.
“Our thoughts are with the people of Pakistan at this difficult time,” she said.
Australian High Commissioner to Pakistan Timothy Kane said that the loss of innocent lives was felt throughout the world. “Our thoughts and prayers are with all Pakistanis as they mourn such a terrible loss,” he said.
The Russian embassy in Pakistan expressed profound sorrow over the tragic death of infants, adding that they shared the pain of the families who have suffered this irreparable loss.
“We wish the bereaved families courage and strength during this difficult time,” the embassy said in a post on X.
Turkiye, France, and Spain also offered condolences regarding the tragic incident through their embassies in Pakistan.
Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baqaei conveyed sympathies and prayed for patience for the bereaved parents.
World Health Organization Representative in Pakistan Dr Luo Dapeng also offered "deepest condolences to the families who lost their infants," adding that the "WHO family mourns with you at this terrible time.”
United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) called for "urgent review and strengthening of fire prevention and safety standards across health facilities, to ensure that every mother and child can receive the care they need in a safe environment."