اسلام آباد

  An initial investigation by the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) has shed new light on the fire that killed 15 newborn babies at the hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). According to the preliminary report prepared by the PIMS administration, a nebulizer attached to an incubator, used to deliver or monitor oxygen for a newborn, reportedly burst inside the NICU. The incident caused the oxygen to catch fire, triggering a blaze in the unit. The report says the fire initially remained limited but spread rapidly. Thick smoke entered the babies’ breathing system through the oxygen pipeline, while the fire and heat also affected the infants. The preliminary findings indicate that the newborns died from a combination of oxygen supply failure, smoke inhalation and burn injuries. Earlier, rescue officials and hospital authorities had attributed the fire to an air-conditioner compressor explosion in the gynecology ward. They also said the presence of oxygen cylinders contributed to the rapid spread of the flames. One newborn reportedly survived the incident. The tragedy has raised serious questions about safety arrangements and emergency response at the hospital. The bodies of the deceased newborns have been handed over to their families. Parents and eyewitnesses alleged that hospital staff were not present in the nursery when the fire broke out and claimed that the doors remained closed, making it difficult to evacuate the babies. They also questioned the response time of rescue teams. PIMS Executive Director, however, rejected claims that staff had abandoned the NICU. He said two doctors, four nurses and other staff members were present in the intensive care unit at the time of the incident. He also maintained that the hospital had an adequate fire safety system. The Capital Development Authority (CDA) said its rescue teams reached the hospital soon after receiving the emergency call. According to the authority, firefighters brought the blaze under control and immediately shifted the affected newborns to the intensive care unit for treatment. The district administration has formed an eight-member inquiry committee to determine the exact cause of the fire and assess whether safety protocols were properly followed. The committee has been directed to submit its findings within 24 hours. The conflicting accounts about the source of the fire have increased pressure for a detailed and impartial investigation. The final inquiry is expected to establish how the fire started, why it spread so quickly, whether the oxygen system played a role and whether the hospital staff and emergency services responded according to established safety procedures.

Islamabad Police have detained former senator Mushtaq Ahmed Khan over alleged violations of Section 144 and other charges linked to a protest rally in the federal capital. According to police officials, authorities took Khan into custody after he allegedly participated in a rally without obtaining the required permission. Police also accused him of violating restrictions imposed under Section 144 and causing a disturbance during the gathering. The authorities said the action followed the enforcement of restrictions on public gatherings and demonstrations in Islamabad. Section 144 allows the administration to impose temporary restrictions on public assemblies and other activities in order to maintain law and order. Police officials maintained that the former senator had not secured official permission to hold the rally and that his participation in the gathering led to legal action. The exact circumstances surrounding his detention and the nature of the allegations will likely become clearer as the authorities proceed with the case. Mushtaq Ahmed Khan, who previously served as a senator, has remained active in public and political affairs. His detention comes amid continued scrutiny of public demonstrations and political gatherings in the capital, where authorities often impose restrictions to prevent disruptions and maintain security. Police have yet to disclose further details about the duration of Khan’s detention, the specific sections of law invoked against him, or whether authorities have formally registered a case. Further developments are expected as the situation unfolds.

RAWALPINDI/ISLAMABAD: Heavy rain early Friday inundated low-lying areas of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, disrupting daily life and causing concern among residents. Nullah Leh and all 15 major rainwater drains recorded medium-level flooding, while water up to three feet deep covered roads and streets in several low-lying neighbourhoods. Several underpasses across the twin cities also filled with rainwater, making roads difficult to navigate. The downpour brought cooler weather but also forced water into homes and shops, affecting routine activities. Dense black clouds, thunder and lightning continued as rain lashed the cities. The Meteorological Department recorded 65 millimetres of rain in Saidpur, 17mm in Golra, 8mm in Bokra, 19mm at PMD, 17mm in Shamsabad, 7mm in Kacheri, 11mm in Pirwadhai, 9mm in Gawalmandi and 13mm in New Katarian. WASA Managing Director Azizullah Khan said heavy rain had continued since early morning and that the authority had placed the twin cities on high alert and declared a rain emergency. WASA teams and heavy machinery moved into vulnerable areas to clear rainwater and keep roads open. Machinery was deployed at Liaquat Bagh, Committee Chowk underpass, Murree Road and low-lying parts of Sadiqabad.

Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi chaired a high-level meeting at the Capital Development Authority (CDA) headquarters to review the progress of ongoing development projects and approve new infrastructure initiatives aimed at improving Islamabad’s traffic system and public services. During the meeting, officials briefed the minister on the status of several major development schemes and presented plans for upcoming projects across the federal capital. Participants also reviewed timelines for ongoing construction work and discussed measures to ensure projects are completed without unnecessary delays. To ease traffic congestion and improve the flow of vehicles, Mohsin Naqvi announced the construction of two new underpasses at Kashmir Chowk and Faisal Mosque. He said work on both projects will begin next month and emphasized that the government is committed to expanding the city’s road infrastructure to meet growing transportation demands. The interior minister also expressed dissatisfaction over the absence of a fully operational Emergency 1122 service in Islamabad. He directed the relevant authorities to immediately complete all legal and administrative requirements needed to establish the Capital Emergency Services as a fully functional institution. He further instructed officials to launch work on four new emergency response centers on a priority basis to strengthen rescue and emergency services in the capital. In addition to infrastructure development, the meeting focused on improving the CDA’s financial sustainability. Officials discussed proposals to increase the authority’s permanent revenue, develop a long-term revenue model, and implement practical measures that would help the organization achieve greater financial independence. Naqvi stressed that strengthening the CDA’s financial position is just as important as delivering development projects. He also instructed officials to complete the Expressway Service Road project within the approved deadline, saying timely completion of public infrastructure remains a top government priority.