ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court PIMS fire proceedings advanced on Tuesday as the bench suspended a lower court order that dismissed an application to file a police case.
Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro heard the petition regarding the Islamabad High Court PIMS fire case. Lawyer Riaz Hanif Rahi filed the petition on behalf of The Jurists Foundation of Pakistan.
The August 26 fire at the Mother and Child Hospital nursery killed 14 newborns. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered an inquiry against eight hospital officials following allegations of gross negligence.
During Tuesday’s hearing, the court ordered authorities to submit all inquiry reports. Justice Soomro issued notices to the federal government, the Prime Minister’s Office, and the Ministry of Interior.
“If any negligence comes to light, I will order the registration of a case against those responsible,” Justice Soomro stated.
The petitioner told the court that police have not registered an FIR despite evidence of missing staff and locked doors. Counsel requested immediate directions to record the case before the end of the working day.
Read: PIMS Fire Probe: Parliament Orders Special Joint Committee
Justice Soomro instructed the petitioner to focus on legal arguments rather than factual details. The court adjourned the hearing until November 12 and directed all respondents to submit complete records.
The petition under Article 199 also asks for victim compensation under Section 323 of the Pakistan Penal Code. It seeks to stop government doctors from private practice and calls for replacing old wiring in state hospitals.
