IHC seeks replies on plea for FIR over PIMS newborn deaths
The Islamabad High Court has suspended an order that rejected a request to register an FIR over the deaths of newborns in a fire at PIMS. It issued notices to federal and capital authorities and adjourned the hearing until 12 November.
- IHC suspended the justice of peace's order rejecting the FIR request.
- Notices went to the federal government, health bodies, CDA, police and FIA.
- The fire on 26 August killed 14 newborns; a 15th child died days later.
- Hearing adjourned until 12 November.
The Islamabad High Court has suspended an order of a justice of peace that rejected a request to register an FIR over the deaths of children at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS). The court also called for the inquiry report and the complete record of the case.
Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro heard the petition, filed by lawyer Riaz Hanif Rahi. It seeks the registration of an FIR over the child deaths and compensation for the affected families.
The court issued notices to the federal government, the PM Office, the Ministry of Health, the Establishment Division, the Islamabad Health Care Regulatory Authority, the Auditor General, the Chief Commissioner and the Deputy Commissioner. Notices also went to CDA, Capital Emergency Services, the Executive Director PIMS, the IG Islamabad and the DG FIA.
According to the reports, a fire broke out on 26 August in the nursery of the Mother and Child Health Centre on the third floor of PIMS. There were 15 children in the nursery, and only one could be rescued. That child died a few days later. The federal government announced 5 million rupees in compensation for each affected family.
Rahi told the court that no case had been registered over the deaths, even though the inquiry report pointed to negligence. He said the justice of peace rejected the FIR request because petitions were pending in the High Court, although he had submitted an application at the police station.
Justice Soomro asked whether an inquiry had been held after the incident, and the lawyer said the report pointed out negligence. The judge said he would call for all reports and evidence, and that a case would be ordered against those responsible if negligence emerged.
On 9 September, a Senate standing committee on human rights was told that no case had been registered and directed that an FIR be lodged and criminal proceedings begin. Rahi then approached the justice of peace, whose order has now been suspended. On 27 October, the district and sessions court in Islamabad also rejected the request, after which Rahi went to the High Court.
The court adjourned the hearing until 12 November.
Why it matters
The case concerns child deaths at a major public hospital in the capital, which matters to families across Pakistan who rely on government hospitals. The court's decision could determine whether a criminal case is registered.
