PIMS fire: Inquiry panel records statements of over 30 employees
An inquiry committee investigating the deadly fire incident at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) hospital has expanded the scope of its probe, with statements from more than 30 hospital employees recorded so far, sources said.
According to the sources, the committee has recorded statements from staff working in various departments of PIMS and conducted detailed questioning of health management personnel.
Written statements have also been sought from employees concerned, they added.
The committee has reviewed CCTV footage from cameras installed across the hospital, while other records and evidence related to the incident are also being examined in detail.
The sources said the inquiry committee has recorded the statements of the PIMS executive director and joint director.
The hospital administration has also provided an electrical medical report to the committee, which is currently being reviewed.
Security staff questioned
Statements from 18 security guards deployed at the Mother and Child Health (MCH) unit have also been recorded, according to the sources.
The committee questioned security personnel and other relevant employees about the situation at the time of the incident, their duties and the arrangements in place.
The inquiry panel also examined the nursery staff duty roster and reviewed records relating to the deployment of relevant personnel.
Different employees were questioned separately about the incident to establish the sequence of events and determine any potential responsibility, the sources said.
The committee will prepare its report after reviewing statements from all relevant individuals and examining the available evidence.
The report is expected to address the causes of the incident, possible negligence and recommendations regarding those responsible.
Petition seeks judicial commission
Meanwhile, a petition has been filed in the Islamabad High Court seeking the formation of a judicial commission to investigate the tragic incident.
Advocate Qasim Iqbal Jalali filed the petition in his personal capacity, naming the federal government, interior secretary, health secretary, Islamabad chief commissioner and Islamabad inspector general of police as respondents.
The petitioner has requested the formation of a judicial commission comprising an Islamabad High Court judge or a sessions judge to conduct a transparent and impartial investigation into the incident.
The petition maintains that in view of the loss of precious lives, a comprehensive investigation is required to determine the causes of the tragedy and identify those responsible.
The petitioner also called for a forensic examination as part of the investigation.
Call for fire alarm system audit
The petition further calls for a comprehensive audit of PIMS’ fire alarm system to determine how effectively the safety mechanism functioned during the incident and whether any technical failure or negligence contributed to the tragedy.
The petitioner has urged the court to examine all aspects of the incident, determine responsibility and direct the authorities to take necessary measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.