Islamabad : MNN
A disturbing record of alleged serious negligence by the PIMS hospital administration in addressing fire safety risks has come to light following the tragic fire incident.
A detailed record of fire safety notices issued to the PIMS administration since 2018 has now surfaced.
According to the documents, the Capital Fire Services repeatedly warned the PIMS administration about serious deficiencies in the hospital’s fire safety system and the potential risks associated with them.
The Fire Services also issued warnings of a fine of up to Rs. 500,000 and even sealing of the building if the required safety measures were not implemented.
On February 15, 2018, the Fire Safety Wing conducted a detailed fire audit of PIMS and submitted its report to the administration, directing immediate corrective measures.
Further Fire Safety Compliance and pre-inspection notices were issued on May 17, 2018, and July 2, 2019.
On June 8, 2023, a “Hazard Alert” was issued for PIMS, identifying serious safety issues including blocked emergency routes and exposed electrical wiring.
On May 9, 2024, PIMS was given a final three-month deadline to ensure implementation of a proper fire safety plan and conduct fire drills.
In the final notice issued on November 10, 2025, the Fire Services clearly stated that failure to implement safety measures would constitute deliberate negligence.
The Fire Services had also warned that in the event of any tragedy, the entire responsibility would rest with the hospital administration.
Importantly, all the warning and fire safety notices were formally delivered to the PIMS Executive Director and Joint Executive Directors.
Copies of these notices were also sent to senior officials of the Ministry of National Health Services, CADD, MCI and CDA.
Following the tragic deaths of 14 children in the PIMS fire, a critical question now arises: why were repeated fire safety warnings and identified hazards not addressed for years despite continuous official notices?
