Deadly Nursery Fire in Islamabad Hospital Leaves Families Grieving
A devastating fire at a government-run hospital in Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, has killed at least 14 newborn babies, according to Pakistan’s prime minister. Local broadcaster Geo TV reported the death toll at 15, making the incident one of the deadliest hospital fires in the country in recent years.
The fire broke out early Wednesday at the Mother and Child Centre of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), a major public hospital in Islamabad. The blaze started on the third floor, where the hospital’s nursery was located. [oai_citation:0‡Al Jazeera](https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/8/26/at-least-15-newborns-killed-in-pakistan-hospital-fire?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
Fire Breaks Out in Nursery
The fire reportedly began shortly before 7am local time. Rescue officials said a malfunction involving an air-conditioning unit may have caused the blaze, although authorities have not yet completed their investigation.
According to reports, the nursery was holding newborn babies when the fire spread through the ward. Rescue teams eventually brought the blaze under control, but only one infant was reported to have been rescued alive. [oai_citation:1‡CBS News](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/fire-kills-14-newborns-pakistan-hospital/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
Families Gather Outside Hospital
The tragedy left families waiting outside the hospital as emergency crews worked at the scene. Distraught relatives gathered for information about their children while ambulances and emergency personnel remained around the affected ward.
The deaths have caused widespread shock in Islamabad, with the incident highlighting concerns about safety standards in Pakistan’s public healthcare facilities.
Prime Minister Orders Investigation
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep sorrow over the deaths and ordered authorities to conduct an immediate investigation.
Sharif said those responsible should be identified and promised the strictest possible action if negligence or wrongdoing is found. [oai_citation:2‡Al Jazeera](https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/8/26/at-least-15-newborns-killed-in-pakistan-hospital-fire?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
Possible Electrical or Air-Conditioning Fault
Initial reports have pointed to a possible malfunction involving the hospital’s air-conditioning system. Rescue sources cited by Pakistani media said a short circuit or failure in an air-conditioning unit could have triggered the fire.
However, the exact cause remains under investigation, and officials are expected to examine the hospital’s electrical systems, emergency procedures and fire-safety arrangements.
Concerns Over Hospital Safety
The tragedy has renewed questions about fire safety in Pakistan, where building regulations and safety standards are often criticised for weak enforcement.
Public hospitals also face persistent challenges involving overcrowding, limited resources and infrastructure problems, potentially making emergency situations more difficult to manage.
One of the Deadliest Hospital Fires
Wednesday’s incident is being described as one of the deadliest hospital fires in Pakistan’s recent history. The high number of newborn deaths has intensified calls for stronger safety measures in maternity and neonatal facilities.
Authorities are expected to determine whether the fire could have been prevented and whether emergency systems were adequate to protect the infants inside the nursery.
Investigation Underway
The immediate investigation will focus on the cause of the fire and the response of hospital staff and emergency services.
Officials will also need to establish the exact number of casualties, as different reports have given slightly different figures. The Pakistani prime minister’s office confirmed 14 deaths, while Geo TV and several international reports cited a toll of 15. [oai_citation:3‡Al Jazeera](https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/8/26/at-least-15-newborns-killed-in-pakistan-hospital-fire?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
Bottom Line
The Islamabad hospital fire has left dozens of families devastated and raised fresh concerns about safety standards in Pakistan’s public hospitals. With an official investigation now underway, authorities face pressure to determine what caused the blaze and whether failures in hospital safety contributed to the deaths.
Sources: Al Jazeera, Reuters, Associated Press