A tragic fire broke out on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at the maternity ward of PIMS Hospital in Islamabad, Pakistan, killing at least 15 infants.

According to the district office of Islamabad, the fire started on the third floor of the MCH Ward at PIMS Hospital. Officials reported that 16 newborns were in the ward at the time, with only one infant rescued.

Rescuers indicated that the likely cause of the fire was a malfunctioning air conditioning unit.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the incident, calling it "an irreparable loss" and ordered an immediate investigation. He stated, "Those responsible should be identified, and the strictest action should be taken."

Sources