A devastating fire broke out early on Wednesday, August 26th, 2026, at the maternity ward of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) hospital in Islamabad, killing at least 14 newborn babies, according to hospital officials and government sources.

The blaze started around 6:45 am local time (3:45 am CEST) on the third floor of the Mother and Child Health Ward, reportedly after an air-conditioning unit compressor exploded inside the nursery located in the hospital’s gynecology ward. Sohail Ashraf, Islamabad’s chief commissioner, stated on X that rescue teams, specialists, police, and himself "immediately reached at site and controlled the fire."

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep sorrow over the incident, ordering an immediate investigation. A statement from his office described the loss as "irreparable" and extended "heartfelt condolences to the families of the innocent children."

Police indicated that the newborns were severely burned, necessitating DNA testing to confirm their identities before releasing the bodies to their families. This statement followed calls from parents demanding the immediate return of the bodies.

Fires in large buildings are common in Pakistan, often attributed to poor safety laws, inadequate building codes, and lax enforcement.

Sources