A fire tore through the nursery of the maternity ward at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, killing at least 14 newborn babies. The incident is being described as one of the deadliest hospital fires in Pakistan in recent memory, according to rescue sources.
Fire Started After AC Compressor Explosion
The blaze began at around 7 a.m. local time and is believed to have been triggered by an air conditioning compressor explosion inside the unit where the infants were receiving care, rescue sources said. Hospital workers managed to pull one child to safety, but the rapid spread of the fire left little time for others to be evacuated.
Witnesses described chaotic scenes as flames moved through the ward. Multiple people reported finding doors in the ward locked as they tried to escape. A woman named Muneeba, who was at the hospital visiting relatives, said she managed to get out with her nephew and sister-in-law just as flames began to spread. "Thank God our baby is safe," she said.
Grieving Father Speaks Out
Outside the hospital, a father whose three-day-old child was among those killed spoke to reporters through tears. "No one can understand the pain I'm going through," he said.
The tragedy has drawn immediate national attention, with Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressing deep sorrow. He said he was "deeply saddened by this tragic incident" and directed that an investigation begin immediately. His office confirmed he has promised "strict action against anyone found responsible."
Lawmakers Demand Accountability
Sharmila Sahibah Faruqui, a member of Pakistan's national assembly, posted her reaction on X, describing the deaths as "shameful and unforgivable." She urged authorities not to shield those at fault behind another inquiry process, writing: "Heads must roll. Please do not hide behind another inquiry committee. Those responsible must be taken to task."
PIMS is the largest hospital in Pakistan's capital and sits on a sprawling site in the heart of Islamabad. Despite its size, it is a government-run facility, and public hospitals across Pakistan have long faced scrutiny over ageing infrastructure, understaffing, and limited emergency readiness.
Pattern of Deadly Fires in Pakistan
Pakistan has seen a series of deadly fires in recent years, many linked to outdated electrical systems in public buildings. Earlier in 2026, a shopping centre fire in Karachi killed at least 67 people. In June 2022, a fire at a children's hospital in Lahore destroyed thousands of dollars worth of medicine.
The Islamabad fire has reignited concerns about fire safety standards in public hospitals. As the investigation proceeds, the prime minister's office has indicated that action will be taken against anyone found responsible for the tragedy.
