ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Parliament has called for a transparent investigation into the deaths of 14 newborns at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), with both houses approving motions seeking the formation of special parliamentary committees to examine the incident.
The opposition expressed a lack of confidence in the government’s existing inquiry committee and demanded an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
Leader of the Opposition in the Senate Raja Nasir Abbas described the PIMS incident as the killing of children and called for those responsible to be held accountable.
Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal rejected any suggestion that the government intended to protect those responsible. He said officials and staff connected to the incident would be brought before investigators and held accountable if found responsible.
Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar told the House that the committee formed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif would submit its preliminary findings to the prime minister, while a detailed report would be prepared within seven days.
Preliminary Findings Point to Negligence
The preliminary report prepared by the government-appointed committee has reportedly identified negligence on the part of PIMS officers and staff.
According to the initial findings, the rescue operation was complicated by several obstacles inside the hospital. Rescue personnel reportedly encountered locked areas, while technical staff were absent when assistance was needed.
The report also pointed to inadequate firefighting equipment at the facility. Rescue teams were reportedly forced to break through walls to reach the affected area.
The findings have intensified questions over hospital safety protocols, emergency preparedness and the responsibility of officials overseeing the facility.
Opposition Rejects Government Inquiry
Opposition lawmakers said previous government-formed committees had failed to produce conclusive results in major incidents.
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif referred to several past incidents, including the Gul Plaza tragedy, saying inquiries into such cases had remained stuck at the committee stage without reaching meaningful conclusions.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leader Asad Qaiser called for the resignation of the prime minister and federal cabinet over the PIMS tragedy.
Senator Sherry Rehman also said the opposition did not have confidence in government-appointed committees and demanded a credible investigation.
National Assembly Approves Special Committee
The National Assembly approved a motion calling for a special parliamentary committee to investigate the PIMS tragedy. The Senate has also approved a similar motion, paving the way for parliamentary scrutiny of the incident.
The committees are expected to examine the causes of the deaths, determine whether negligence or administrative failures contributed to the tragedy, and identify those responsible.
The development comes amid growing demands for accountability and improved emergency safety measures at public hospitals across Pakistan.