Mustafa Kamal Reportedly Offers Resignation
Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal reportedly offered his resignation just hours after the tragic fire at Islamabad’s Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, PIMS, which claimed the lives of 14 newborn babies. According to reports, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif did not accept the resignation. The development came as the government faced growing pressure to ensure accountability following one of the country’s worst hospital tragedies in recent years.
PIMS Fire Leaves Nation in Grief
The devastating fire broke out at the Mother and Child Health Ward of PIMS on August 26, 2026. Fourteen newborn babies lost their lives, while one baby was rescued. The tragedy triggered widespread anger and grief, with parents and members of the public raising serious questions about fire safety arrangements and emergency preparedness at the hospital.
PM Orders Immediate Investigation
Following the incident, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered a high-level investigation and directed Mustafa Kamal to reach Islamabad and assess the situation. The government also took action against officials as the inquiry moved forward. The prime minister later ordered the suspension of eight officials and directed that criminal proceedings be initiated against those found responsible for negligence.
Mustafa Kamal Faces Calls for Resignation
The PIMS tragedy led to increasing calls for Mustafa Kamal to resign. Political parties and members of the public questioned whether the federal health minister should take responsibility for the failures that may have contributed to the disaster. Kamal, however, publicly said that everyone responsible would face accountability and that no one would be given any concession if negligence was established.
Reports Surrounding the Resignation
Reports about Mustafa Kamal’s resignation created confusion, with questions raised about whether he had formally submitted his resignation and whether it had been accepted by the prime minister. The central claim remains that Kamal offered to step down shortly after the tragedy, but Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif did not accept his resignation. The issue has remained part of the wider political debate surrounding accountability after the PIMS fire.
Accountability Remains the Main Question
The tragedy has shifted attention beyond individual resignations toward the larger question of responsibility. The official inquiry is examining how the fire started, whether proper safety procedures were in place, and whether failures in emergency arrangements contributed to the deaths of the newborns. Mustafa Kamal has said that the investigation should establish the facts and determine responsibility.
Families Demand Justice
For the parents who lost their newborn children, political debate and official statements cannot reduce the scale of their loss. The affected families want clear answers about what happened inside the hospital and whether the tragedy could have been prevented. The government has announced compensation for the families, but the investigation and accountability process remain the focus of public attention.
Investigation to Determine Responsibility
As the inquiry continues, authorities are expected to examine hospital management, fire safety systems, emergency exits, equipment, and the response of officials and staff. The findings will be important in determining whether administrative or criminal action is required against those responsible.
A Tragedy That Demands Answers
Mustafa Kamal’s reported resignation has added another dimension to the political fallout from the PIMS tragedy. However, the larger issue remains whether the investigation can identify the failures that led to the deaths of 14 newborn babies. For the families affected, accountability and meaningful reforms to hospital safety will remain far more important than political statements alone.
