PIMS fire inquiry suspensions approved

Following a deadly fire at the neonatal ward of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired a high-level meeting on August 29, 2026, and approved the immediate suspension of eight officials identified by an inquiry committee. The suspended officials include PIMS Executive Director Imran Sikandar, Joint Executive Directors Mutahir Shah and Owais Ali Shah, Neonatal Department Head Saadia Riaz, Senior Registrar Naghma, Dr. Nousheela Amjad, Security Assistant Director Mohammad Usman (disambiguation), and CDA Emergency Services Director General Chaudhry Abdul Rehman. The prime minister ordered criminal proceedings against those responsible and action against the security company. He also approved the award of Sitara-e-Khidmat and a cash reward of Rs 10 million to nurse Razia Noreen, who saved a child during the fire. Dr. Mohammad Salman, CEO of the United States — National Institutes of Health, was appointed Acting Executive Director of PIMS. The inquiry found serious fire safety deficiencies, including lack of SOPs, absence of fire alarms and sprinklers, and delayed emergency response. The interim report was ordered to be made public.