ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday ordered a high-level inquiry into the deaths of 14 newborns in a fire at the state-run Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad and suspended Federal Health Secretary Aslam Ghouri.

The fire broke out around dawn on the third floor of PIMS’ Mother and Child Health Ward, where newborns were being treated. Authorities said 14 infants died in the blaze and attributed the fire to a faulty air conditioner. Rescue and police teams reached the hospital after an emergency call shortly before 7am and brought the fire under control.

The prime minister chaired a high-level meeting on the incident and expressed strong displeasure with the officials concerned, according to the Prime Minister’s Office.

PM Sharif ordered the immediate suspension and removal of Ghouri from his post and directed the formation of an inquiry committee to conduct a high-level investigation into the deaths.

Former Interior Secretary Shahid Khan was appointed chairman of the inquiry committee, while Establishment Secretary Dr Barrister Nabeel Awan was named as another member, according to the PMO.

The move came hours after a fire broke out in the Mother and Child Health Ward at PIMS, killing 14 newborns, according to authorities.

The Islamabad district administration said the fire broke out on the third floor of the maternity ward around dawn. Officials said a faulty air conditioner was responsible for the blaze.

PM Sharif, President Asif Ali Zardari and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi expressed grief over the deaths and called for those responsible to be identified.

Zardari also stressed the need for effective fire safety and emergency arrangements at hospitals, particularly to protect newborns and other vulnerable patients.

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PM Sharif orders probe, suspends health secretary over Islamabad infant deaths