ISLAMABAD: Soon after his arrival from Kyrgyzstan, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday held an emergency meeting on health ministry affairs and the fire incident at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims).

Federal Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal, Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema, Health Secretary retired Captain Mohammad Mahmood and Pims Executive Director Dr Mohammad Salman attended the meeting.

The prime minister was briefed on matters relating to the health sector, with a special briefing on the ongoing investigation into the Pims fire incident.

The meeting was informed that, in light of the interim investigation report, steps were being taken to ensure implementation of the prime minister’s decisions.

No leniency will be shown to officials found guilty of criminal negligence, the prime minister said.

The prime minister directed the health minister and health secretary to ensure their personal presence at Pims on alternate days and oversee implementation of measures to improve the hospital.

He directed that improved medical and treatment facilities at Pims be ensured and all necessary safety measures be fully implemented.

The prime minister also directed that the process of reforms in the health sector be accelerated.

Published in Dawn, September 3rd, 2026