Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday ordered the suspension and removal of Federal Health Secretary Aslam Ghori following the deaths of newborn babies in a fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad.

The prime minister chaired an emergency meeting to review the incident and expressed strong displeasure over the performance of officials responsible for the hospital’s administration and safety arrangements.

He also ordered a high-level inquiry into the fire and the deaths. Former Interior Secretary Shahid Khan will head the inquiry committee, while Establishment Secretary Dr Nabeel Awan will serve as a member.

The committee has been tasked with conducting a comprehensive investigation into the fire, the deaths of the newborns and possible administrative negligence at PIMS.

Prime Minister Shehbaz directed Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal to immediately visit PIMS, assess the situation and submit a report on the incident.

During the meeting, the prime minister sought detailed briefings from officials and questioned them over the hospital’s administrative and safety measures.

The inquiry committee will present its findings and recommendations to the prime minister after completing its investigation.