The government has announced Rs5 million compensation for each family affected by the PIMS fire that claimed the lives of 14 infants at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said the financial assistance was approved by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to provide some relief to the bereaved families.
Speaking to the media during a visit to PIMS, Chaudhry expressed deep sorrow over the deaths and said the 14 infants had become victims of what he described as “criminal negligence”.
The minister said the government could not undo the loss suffered by the families. He acknowledged that no financial assistance could bring the deceased children back or reduce the grief of their parents.
However, he said the compensation was intended to provide some immediate financial support to the affected families during an extremely difficult period.
PIMS Fire Inquiry Committee To Submit Report
Chaudhry said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had formed an inquiry committee to investigate the incident and determine how the fire started and whether negligence contributed to the deaths.
According to the minister, the committee was expected to submit its report on Thursday. The findings are likely to establish responsibility and identify officials or other on-duty personnel whose actions or omissions may have contributed to the tragedy.
Chaudhry assured the affected families that those found responsible for negligence would face strict action.
“All on-duty individuals found guilty of negligence will be given exemplary punishment,” he said.
The minister’s remarks came as concerns grew over safety arrangements and emergency procedures at the major public-sector hospital following the deaths of the infants.
Rs5m To Be Deposited In Mothers’ Accounts
The parliamentary affairs minister said he had visited PIMS on behalf of the prime minister to support the affected families and oversee the distribution of the announced compensation.
He said he was at the hospital to hand over a cheque to one of the affected families. The government plans to deposit the Rs5 million compensation into the bank accounts of the mothers of the deceased children.
The move is aimed at ensuring that the financial assistance reaches the families directly.
Chaudhry reiterated that the government understood the enormous pain caused by the deaths and said financial assistance should not be viewed as compensation for the loss itself.
Govt Promises Accountability
The announcement of compensation comes alongside the government’s commitment to determine responsibility for the PIMS fire. The inquiry committee’s report will be closely watched by the families and the public, particularly regarding any safety lapses or negligence identified during the investigation.
The minister stressed that those responsible would not be allowed to escape accountability if the inquiry established their negligence.
The tragedy has also raised questions about hospital safety protocols, emergency response systems and the protection of vulnerable patients, particularly newborns and infants.
The government is now expected to review the inquiry findings and take action based on the committee’s recommendations.