Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif has approved the immediate suspension of eight officials named in an inquiry into the fire tragedy at Islamabad’s Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS).
During a high-level meeting on the PIMS fire incident, the prime minister directed that criminal proceedings be initiated against those identified as responsible, without discrimination.
The eight officials include PIMS Executive Director Prof Dr Imran Sikandar, Joint Executive Directors Dr Mutahir Shah and Chaudhry Dr Owais Ali Shah, Head of the Neonatal Department Prof Dr Saadia Riaz, Senior Registrar Dr Naghma, Dr Nosheela Amjad, PIMS Assistant Director Security Muhammad Usman, and CDA Emergency Services Director General Dr Abdul Rehman.
“Those responsible for criminal negligence do not deserve any leniency,” the prime minister said, adding that the “death of innocent children is a tragic incident that has saddened the entire nation”
“My sympathies, along with those of the entire nation, are with the parents of the children. Those responsible will be given exemplary punishment so that no mother loses her child again due to anyone’s criminal negligence,” PM Shehbaz said.
PM Shehbaz names acting PIMS executive director, orders Sitara-i-Khidmat for nurse
The PM has directed the National Institutes of Health Pakistan CEO Dr Muhammad Salman, to take charge as acting Executive Director of PIMS, while replacements for the removed officials are to be appointed immediately.
The prime minister also approved the Sitara-i-Khidmat award for the nurse who risked her life to save a baby during the fire.
He directed that a nurse and a female security guard who were present in the ward be made Officers on Special Duty (OSD) and ordered further investigations.
The prime minister has also directed that the interim inquiry report be made public immediately.