PIMS had reportedly been functioning without a valid licence from the Islamabad Healthcare Regulatory Authority for two years before a fire in its neonatal nursery killed 14 newborns.
The disclosure was made before the Senate Standing Committee on National Health Services, where lawmakers raised serious questions about safety arrangements at the hospital.
During the committee proceedings, senators highlighted several alleged shortcomings, including the absence of functioning fire alarms, blocked emergency exits and insufficient arrangements for evacuating patients during an emergency.
Concerns were also raised about construction material reportedly obstructing access routes within the hospital. Such obstacles could make it more difficult for staff and emergency responders to move quickly during a crisis.
An interim inquiry into the incident identified apparent weaknesses in several areas, including fire safety, staffing, emergency response and coordination between security personnel.
The findings have increased pressure on authorities to determine whether existing safety requirements were properly implemented and monitored at the hospital.
The exact cause of the fire has not yet been conclusively established. A detailed investigation is expected to examine the circumstances that led to the outbreak and determine whether failures in safety procedures contributed to the loss of life.
The Senate committee has called for a comprehensive investigation and stressed the need for accountability if negligence or violations of safety regulations are established.
The incident has also raised broader concerns about regulatory oversight of major public hospitals and the importance of ensuring that healthcare facilities maintain valid licences and meet required safety standards.
For neonatal wards, where patients are unable to evacuate independently, effective alarms, accessible exits, trained staff and emergency procedures are particularly important. Authorities are now under pressure to establish what went wrong and identify those responsible for any shortcomings.
The investigation could also lead to recommendations for improving fire prevention, emergency preparedness and regulatory compliance at PIMS and other public healthcare facilities. The tragedy has intensified calls for stronger safety monitoring so that vulnerable patients are better protected from similar emergencies in the future.
