Islamabad: Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhary has stated that initial investigations suggest the fire at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of PIMS Hospital was triggered by a short circuit. During his visit to the hospital, he addressed the media, providing insights into the tragic incident.

According to Radio Pakistan, the Minister explained that the fire rapidly engulfed the unit due to the presence of gas cylinders, gas lines, and plastic instruments, which contributed to the swift spread of the blaze. The situation was exacerbated by these factors, leading to devastating consequences.

The Minister confirmed the loss of fourteen newborn babies in the fire, marking the incident as a significant tragedy. He extended his condolences and emphasized the importance of understanding the cause of the fire to prevent future occurrences. The incident has prompted a thorough investigation to ascertain the exact circumstances and ensure such a tragedy does not happen again.