PIMS tragedy: Political leaders mourn death of 14 newborn babies

ISLAMABAD: Political leaders from across the country have expressed grief over the deaths of 14 newborn babies in a fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad.

‘Death of newborns deeply distressing’: First Lady

First Lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari described the loss of the newborns as “deeply distressing and traumatic” and expressed solidarity with the bereaved parents and families.

She called for a complete, immediate and transparent investigation into the incident and stressed the need for measures to improve hospital systems and prevent such tragedies in the future.

‘Our sympathies are with bereaved families’: NA deputy speaker

National Assembly Deputy Speaker Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah also expressed sorrow over the deaths and extended his condolences to the parents of the newborns.

He said he shared the grief of the bereaved families over the tragic loss.

‘Pain caused by loss of newborns cannot be expressed in words’: CM Maryam

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz expressed deep grief over the tragedy, saying the loss of the innocent lives had left the entire country mourning.

پمز ہسپتال اسلام آباد میں آتشزدگی کے دلخراش واقعے میں 14 معصوم بچوں کے جاں بحق ہونے پر دل شدید رنجیدہ اور غمزدہ ہے۔ ننھی جانوں کا یہ المناک سانحہ پورے ملک کو سوگوار کر گیا ہے جس کا کرب لفظوں میں بیان کرنا ممکن نہیں۔اس ناقابلِ تلافی نقصان پر میں غمزدہ والدین اور لواحقین کے دکھ میں…

— Maryam Nawaz Sharif (@MaryamNSharif) August 26, 2026

She said the pain caused by the deaths could not be expressed in words and expressed solidarity with the grieving families over their irreparable loss.

‘Incident cannot simply be dismissed as an accident’: Sherry Rehman

PPP Vice President Sherry Rehman said the grief of parents who had lost their newborn children could not be expressed in words.

She questioned whether adequate safety arrangements had been in place to protect the newborns, saying the incident could not simply be dismissed as an accident.

“Why was the gate closed and where were the doctors?” Rehman questioned, stressing that accountability was essential to prevent such tragedies.

She said the PPP was not politicising the PIMS tragedy but questioned how hospitals were being managed, adding that several questions surrounding the incident remained unanswered.

‘Deaths of newborns a result of negligence’: Nayyar Bukhari

PPP leader Nayyar Bukhari also questioned why the PIMS emergency gate was closed, calling the deaths of the newborns a result of negligence.

He demanded a transparent inquiry and said those responsible — whether the federal minister, PIMS administration or any other official — must be held accountable.

Bukhari said the suspension of the health secretary alone was not enough, adding that the Ministry of Health should have monitored the performance of the PIMS administration.

 ‘Loss of newborns extremely painful’: Sharjeel Memon

Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Memon also expressed grief over the incident, saying the loss of lives at a sensitive facility such as a hospital was extremely painful and distressing.

He said he shared the grief of the families who lost their newborn children.

Sindh government spokesperson Mustafa Abdullah Baloch also spoke on the tragic loss of the minors. He termed the deaths of the 14 newborns a tragic incident and called for a complete, transparent and impartial investigation.

He said the federal government should examine all aspects of the incident, determine responsibility and bring the facts before the public.