ISLAMABAD: The deaths of 14 newborns in a hospital fire have turned grief into a call for accountability, with Health Minister Mustafa Kamal pledging Friday to pursue those responsible as Parliament moved to investigate the tragedy.
Kamal told the Senate that he considered himself responsible as health minister and had presented himself for accountability. He urged lawmakers to wait for the findings of the ongoing investigation before reaching conclusions about the cause of the deaths.
“I am the health minister. I consider myself responsible for the tragedy,” Kamal said.
The minister said an inquiry committee had been formed and was expected to submit its report Friday night. He said investigators would rely on evidence, including digital records, video footage, eyewitness accounts and information obtained from the affected families.
“Whoever is found negligent will not be spared. Not a single individual will be spared in the investigation,” Kamal said.
Kamal also called for opposition lawmakers to be included in the investigation and proposed a joint committee comprising members of the Senate and National Assembly. He said the Ministry of Health would provide investigators with all relevant records and information.
Describing the health system as “rotten,” Kamal questioned whether removing an incompetent official would be enough to address deeper institutional problems.
“Where do I find a better person after removing an incompetent one?” he said.
The minister also faced calls for his resignation but said he would not respond to those demands until the investigation was completed. He maintained that he had already taken steps in response to the tragedy.
The National Assembly and Senate separately approved motions Friday to establish a special parliamentary committee to examine the PIMS tragedy.
Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar moved the motion in the National Assembly, while Sen. Sherry Rehman moved it in the Senate. Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gilani and National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq were authorized to form the committee through consultation.
The two parliamentary leaders will determine the committee’s membership and terms of reference. The panel will examine the circumstances surrounding the fire and other matters related to the deaths.
The government has also announced compensation of 5 million rupees for the family of each newborn who died in the fire.
In a statement, the government expressed solidarity with the bereaved families and pledged continued support. It acknowledged that financial assistance could not replace the loss of a child but said the compensation was intended to help ease the families’ hardships.
The tragedy has intensified scrutiny of safety measures and emergency procedures at PIMS, one of Islamabad’s major public hospitals, as authorities face mounting pressure to establish responsibility and prevent similar incidents in the future.
