Aitzaz Ahsan calls for broader movement and empowered district governments

ISLAMABAD: At least 15 newborn babies were killed after a fire broke out at the nursery of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad early Wednesday morning. According to rescue officials, the fire erupted at around 6:45am on the third floor of the hospital’s Mother and Child Health (MCH) ward. The blaze reportedly started after an air-conditioning unit exploded and spread rapidly through the nursery. PIMS authorities said 16 babies were present in the nursery when the fire broke out. Fifteen newborns died in the incident, while one baby was successfully rescued. Rescue officials said the fire was brought under control and cooling operations were initiated afterward. Six fire engines and four ambulances took part in the rescue operation after emergency teams reached the hospital soon after receiving the alert. According to the district administration, 14 babies suffered severe burns in the incident. An investigation committee headed by the additional deputy commissioner has been formed to determine the exact cause of the fire and establish how the tragedy occurred. The MCH ward was later sealed as authorities began examining the scene. Parents of the deceased babies alleged that hospital staff were not present inside the incubation centre when the fire broke out. The allegations are expected to form part of the investigation into the incident. Federal Minister for Health Mustafa Kamal confirmed that at least 14 deaths had been reported, while other officials put the death toll at 15. He said the Director General Health and hospital secretary were present at the facility and were coordinating with the families of the victims. Speaking about the incident, Kamal said the fire started at around 6:45am following an explosion in an air-conditioning unit. He said the blaze spread extremely quickly and the hospital’s electricity supply was also disrupted immediately after the explosion. The minister said doctors and staff were present in the intensive care area at the time. According to him, some staff members went to call the rescue service, but the fire spread rapidly before the situation could be brought under control. He added that the hospital’s firefighting equipment was functioning and that PIMS was already operating beyond its normal capacity.

Pakistan has strongly condemned the Houthi militia’s threats against Saudi Arabia and commercial shipping in the Red Sea, describing the actions as a serious threat to regional peace, international trade and maritime security. In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Foreign Office said Pakistan unequivocally rejects the continued threats directed at the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and vessels involved in lawful commercial activities. It stressed that freedom of navigation and the uninterrupted movement of global trade must be protected at all costs. The statement came after Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi movement announced a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia. The group declared that ships linked to the kingdom could become targets, saying the move was a response to what it described as Saudi actions in Yemen. Pakistan said any threat to commercial shipping violates international law and undermines the rules-based maritime order. The Foreign Office warned that such actions not only endanger regional security but also put global commerce and energy supplies at risk. Islamabad expressed particular concern over reports that commercial vessels trading with Saudi Arabia could be targeted. The Foreign Office said attacks or threats against civilian shipping are unacceptable and could have serious consequences for international trade. Reaffirming its commitment to protecting national interests, Pakistan warned that any hostile act against Pakistani-flagged ships or Pakistan’s maritime assets would be treated as a grave threat to the country’s sovereignty and national security. The statement added that Pakistan reserves the right to take all necessary measures, including lawful self-defense under the United Nations Charter and international law, to protect its maritime interests if required. Pakistan also voiced concern over attempts to widen the ongoing Middle East conflict by dragging Saudi Arabia into the regional confrontation. The Foreign Office reiterated Islamabad’s unwavering support for the security, sovereignty, territorial integrity and prosperity of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The government urged all parties to exercise maximum restraint and avoid further escalation. It called for dialogue, diplomacy and peaceful solutions to resolve disputes while emphasizing the importance of protecting international shipping routes. The Foreign Office stressed that ensuring the safety of maritime trade is essential for global economic stability. It said uninterrupted navigation through international waterways is critical for maintaining the flow of energy supplies and commercial goods across the world. The Houthi announcement has raised fresh concerns among governments and shipping companies over the security of the Red Sea, one of the world’s busiest maritime corridors. The Bab el-Mandeb Strait serves as a vital gateway connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and is a key route for oil exports from the Gulf to international markets.