Fire at Islamabad Hospital Claims Lives of 14 Newborns

On August 26, 2026, a tragic fire at the Pakistan Institute of Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad resulted in the deaths of at least 14 newborn babies. The fire, which started around 7 am local time, is believed to have been triggered by an explosion from an air conditioning compressor in the nursery of the maternity ward.

Hospital workers managed to rescue one infant amidst the chaos. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with reports of locked doors preventing escape.

A father, whose three-day-old child was among the deceased, expressed his grief to reporters. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed his deep sadness over the incident and ordered an immediate investigation, promising strict action against those responsible.

Sharmila Sahibah Faruqui, a member of Pakistan's political landscape, condemned the deaths as "shameful and unforgivable," urging authorities to hold accountable those at fault without resorting to another inquiry process. PIMS, the largest hospital in Pakistan's capital, has faced criticism for its aging infrastructure and emergency readiness.