At least 14 newborn babies have been confirmed dead after a devastating fire broke out at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, prompting Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to order an immediate investigation.
Early reports from Geo TV and Reuters had put the death toll at 15 infants, but the Islamabad administration subsequently confirmed 14 deaths. Because the figures differed as the breaking story developed, the official count of 14 is the latest figure reported by authorities.
Fire Breaks Out in Hospital Nursery
The blaze erupted early Wednesday on the third floor of the Mother and Child Hospital at PIMS, one of Islamabad’s major government-run medical facilities. Six fire engines and four ambulances were deployed as emergency teams worked to bring the fire under control and rescue patients.
Rescue officials said the fire apparently started after an air-conditioning compressor exploded inside the nursery, although investigators will need to establish the definitive cause.
The fire was subsequently extinguished and cooling operations were carried out at the site.
Newborns Trapped as Blaze Spreads
Initial reports said numerous newborns were inside the nursery when the fire started. Rescue teams evacuated patients from the affected area, while survivors were moved for emergency medical treatment.
The scale of the tragedy initially produced conflicting casualty figures. Geo TV reported at least 15 newborn deaths, while the Islamabad district administration later issued a statement confirming that 14 babies had died.
Shehbaz Sharif Orders Investigation
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed grief over the deaths and ordered an immediate investigation into the hospital fire. He also called for strict action against anyone found responsible.
The investigation is expected to examine the suspected air-conditioning failure as well as fire-safety procedures and emergency preparedness at the hospital.
The tragedy has renewed scrutiny of fire-safety standards in Pakistan’s public hospitals, particularly in sensitive neonatal and maternity units.
As authorities investigate what caused the blaze and whether it could have been prevented, the PIMS fire stands as one of Pakistan’s most devastating recent hospital incidents involving newborn children.
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