ISLAMABAD, 26 August 2026 (Kamran Raja) — Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has suspended and removed Federal Health Secretary Aslam Ghouri from his post following the tragic fire at the nursery of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), which claimed the lives of 14 newborn babies. The decision was taken during a high-level meeting chaired by the prime minister to review the PIMS fire incident. Expressing strong displeasure over the performance of the relevant officials, the prime minister ordered immediate action. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also constituted a high-level inquiry committee to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the tragedy and determine responsibility for the deaths. Former Interior Secretary Shahid Khan has been appointed chairman of the inquiry committee, while Secretary Establishment Dr. Barrister Noel Awan is among its members. Earlier, the prime minister had expressed deep sorrow over the deaths of 14 newborn babies in the fire and directed the authorities to immediately investigate the incident. He termed the loss of innocent lives an irreparable tragedy and stressed that the circumstances surrounding the incident must be thoroughly examined and those responsible identified. The prime minister also conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and said he shared their grief over the devastating loss. He prayed for patience and strength for the parents and families of the deceased children.