The government has sought names from all political parties for representation in a joint parliamentary committee tasked with inquiring into the PIMS tragedy. The National Assembly had passed a resolution on Friday to establish the joint parliamentary committee to investigate the incident.
According to parliamentary sources, the government has asked all parties to nominate their representatives for the committee. All parliamentary parties will be given representation in the panel. Sources said the notification for the committee will be issued once the names of the nominees are received from the respective parties.
The formation of the committee is aimed at facilitating a parliamentary inquiry into the PIMS tragedy and determining the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Five days ago, 14 newborn babies died in a horrific fire in the nursery of the neonatal ward of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS). Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had formed a high-level inquiry committee headed by former Interior Secretary Shahid Khan to investigate the tragedy.
The committee had submitted a report to the Prime Minister after completing the initial investigation. The interim report held eight people responsible, including PIMS Executive Director Dr Imran Sikandar. In light of the report, the Prime Minister approved immediate criminal action against those responsible and ordered the suspension of eight people.
Those held responsible included Joint Executive Directors Dr Mutahir Shah and Dr Owais Ali Shah, Head of the Neonatal Department Dr Sadia Riaz, Senior Registrar Dr Nagham, Dr. Naushila Amjad, Assistant Director Security PIMS Muhammad Usman and DG CDA Emergency Services Dr Abdul Rehman. The Prime Minister had also approved action against the company responsible for PIMS security and its officials. Later, new appointments were made in place of the suspended officers on the recommendation of the committee.