A devastating fire erupted just after dawn on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at the maternity ward of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) hospital in Islamabad, killing 14 babies.

Witnesses reported that the door to the ward was locked, which they say contributed to the tragedy. However, a hospital official told the BBC that the door was not locked but was manned by security guards intended to protect the babies.

Hivsa Walid, who was near the ward with her sister-in-law, described hearing a shout and initially thinking a patient had died before seeing smoke. They fled with the baby, who is so small she has not yet been named. Walid said, "We didn't even think about our belongings. We just grabbed the baby and rushed downstairs."

Khurram Mehmood, 40, told AFP news agency there was a long wait for rescue workers, stating, "Police arrived after four hours and said they are here to investigate."

In contrast, Islamabad's Chief Commissioner Sohail Ashraf said rescue teams reached the scene "immediately" after the emergency call was made, according to AFP.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed his "deep sorrow and heartfelt regret" over the blaze and instructed authorities to "conduct an immediate investigation," according to a statement from his office.

The incident has raised questions among parents and witnesses, with one asking, "Why did the doctors leave the children there?" as they mourn the loss of their infants.

Sources