PM Shehbaz Sharif Suspends 8 PIMS Officials Over Deadly Fire

Web Desk
August 30, 2026

LAHORE – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered the immediate suspension of eight officials at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), Islamabad including its Executive Director, Professor Dr. Imran Sikander, and directed that criminal proceedings be initiated against them without exception.

The decision was made during a high-level meeting in Lahore on Saturday, where the interim report of the committee investigating the tragic fire at PIMS was reviewed, according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office.

Officials Suspended

The following individuals have been suspended pending further investigation:

• Professor Dr. Imran Sikander – Executive Director, PIMS
• Dr. Matahir Shah – Joint Executive Director
• Dr. Owais Ali Shah – Joint Executive Director
• Dr. Noshaila Amjad
• Muhammad Usman – Assistant Director of Security
• Abdul Rehman – DG Emergency Services, CDA
• Dr. Sadia Riaz – Head of Neonatal Department
• Senior Registrar

Findings of the Interim Report

The committee’s interim report revealed serious lapses in safety protocols and emergency response:

Finding	Detail
Fire Alarm	Not functional in the nursery ward
Safety Equipment	None available in the ward
Emergency Call	Made 6 minutes after the fire started
First Response	Arrived 15 minutes after the call
Supervisory Staff	Not present on duty at the time of the incident
Ward Staff Present	Two nurses, one female guard, and one house officer
Time to Consume Ward	Just 2 minutes from ignition to full engulfment

Heroic Nurse to be Recognized

The Prime Minister also approved awarding a Star of Service to the nurse who saved a child’s life before the fire spread throughout the ward. She will be recognized for her bravery and quick action.

New Leadership Appointed

Dr. Muhammad Salman has been appointed as the acting Executive Director of PIMS, following the suspension of Dr. Imran Sikander.

Prime Minister’s Remarks

“Those guilty of criminal negligence deserve no leniency. The perpetrators of the PIMS tragedy will be brought to justice. The death of innocent children is such a tragic event that the entire nation is grieving. Those responsible will be given exemplary punishment.”

The Prime Minister also directed that a comprehensive investigation be completed and that all those found negligent face the full force of the law.