MUHAMMAD IRFANULLAH | August 27, 2026
The True Post (Web News) — Fourteen newborn babies who died in a horrific fire at the nursery of Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad have been laid to rest, leaving 14 families devastated.
The tragedy has sparked widespread grief across Pakistan, while the United Nations, Saudi Arabia and Iran have expressed condolences to the families of the victims and the people of Pakistan.
At the time of the incident, 15 newborn babies were reportedly present in the nursery. One baby was rescued after the child’s aunt managed to remove the infant from the nursery in time.
Parents Devastated After Losing Their Babies
The parents of the deceased newborns are facing unimaginable grief following the tragedy.
Families in Rawalpindi and surrounding areas described the loss of their children as an unbearable tragedy. One grieving parent said that even if countless investigations are conducted and those responsible are punished, nothing can bring their child back.
Another mother, who had reportedly waited four years for the arrival of her baby, said her happiness lasted only a few days before her child was lost.
Parents Raise Questions About Hospital Safety
Some of the affected families have also raised serious questions about safety arrangements and facilities at public hospitals.
One grieving father appealed to authorities to improve safety measures at government hospitals so that other families do not have to experience a similar tragedy.
A resident of Shamsabad, Rawalpindi, whose newborn daughter died in the incident, said the family had waited and prayed for years for a child.
He described the loss as an overwhelming grief that was impossible to put into words.
Concerns Over Hospital Facilities
The father also questioned whether a hospital serving such a large population has adequate facilities.
He called for better medical equipment, emergency arrangements and safety systems at public hospitals.
He also urged the government to ensure that public funds allocated to healthcare are properly used and that patients receive basic medical and safety facilities.
United Nations Expresses Condolences
The United Nations has expressed deep sorrow over the deaths of the newborn babies at PIMS.
The UN extended its sympathy to the families, noting that the loss of children is an unimaginable tragedy for parents.
The organization also expressed solidarity with Pakistan during the difficult period and said it remained ready to provide assistance where possible.
Saudi Arabia Offers Condolences
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also expressed deep condolences and sympathy following the tragic fire at the PIMS nursery.
The Saudi government conveyed its condolences to the families of the deceased newborns, the Government of Pakistan and the Pakistani people.
Saudi Arabia also expressed its wishes for the safety and security of Pakistan and its people following the devastating incident.
Iran Expresses Solidarity
Iran has also expressed sorrow over the tragedy and extended its condolences to the affected families.
Iran’s expression of solidarity comes as several countries and international organizations have reacted to the deaths of the newborn babies.
The tragedy has generated widespread concern about hospital safety standards and emergency preparedness.
What Caused the Fire?
An initial report from the hospital administration has provided information about the possible cause of the fire.
According to the preliminary report, a nebulizer used to measure oxygen levels and installed with an incubator in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) reportedly exploded.
The oxygen then caught fire, causing flames and heavy smoke to spread through the nursery.
Smoke and Oxygen Supply Linked to Deaths
The preliminary report stated that the fire caused heavy smoke to fill the nursery.
The smoke reportedly entered the babies’ respiratory system through the piping system, while the disruption of oxygen supply and burns contributed to the deaths.
However, the exact circumstances surrounding the incident have not yet been conclusively established.
Authorities are expected to determine the final cause of the fire and identify any individuals or institutions responsible after the investigation is completed.
Calls for a Transparent Investigation
Following the burial of the 14 newborns, the affected families are demanding a transparent and impartial investigation.
The parents want authorities to determine whether negligence, inadequate safety arrangements or other failures contributed to the tragedy.
They have emphasized that although their children cannot be brought back, lessons must be learned from the incident.
Need for Better Safety Measures in Hospitals
The PIMS nursery tragedy has renewed concerns about fire prevention, emergency response systems and medical safety arrangements in hospitals.
Experts and families are expected to closely watch the investigation to determine whether proper safety protocols were in place at the time of the fire.
Hospitals treating vulnerable newborns require reliable oxygen systems, emergency equipment, fire protection measures and trained staff capable of responding quickly to emergencies.
A Tragedy That Has Shaken Pakistan
The deaths of 14 newborn babies have left their families facing a profound and permanent loss.
The tragedy has also triggered questions about the safety standards and emergency preparedness of public hospitals.
As investigations continue, the families of the victims are seeking accountability and meaningful improvements in hospital safety.
For the grieving parents, no investigation or punishment can replace the children they have lost. But ensuring stronger safety measures could help prevent another family from suffering a similar tragedy in the future.
