ISLAMABAD: The grief from a deadly hospital fire in Islamabad has crossed Pakistan’s borders, with countries across the Middle East, Asia and Europe expressing solidarity after 14 newborn babies were killed at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences.
The international condolences came as Pakistani authorities investigated the blaze at the hospital’s Mother and Child Health ward, while the tragedy raised questions about fire safety, emergency exits and preparedness at one of the capital’s main public hospitals.
Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry expressed its “sincere condolences and sympathy” to the families of the victims and extended solidarity to Pakistan’s government and people. It also reaffirmed the kingdom’s support for Pakistan during the tragedy.
#Statement | The Foreign Ministry expresses the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s sincere condolences and sympathy to the families of the deceased, and to the government and people of the brotherly Islamic Republic of Pakistan, following the tragic fire at PIMS Hospital in the capital,… pic.twitter.com/wHlSqYiGcs
— Foreign Ministry 🇸🇦 (@KSAmofaEN) August 26, 2026
Iran conveyed condolences from its government and people to the families of the newborns and expressed sympathy with Pakistan’s government and citizens following the devastating incident.
Condolences on the Tragic PIMS Incident:
Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran extends its heartfelt condolences to @GovtofPakistan & people of Pakistan following the heartbreaking incident at PIMS, which lead to the passing of 14 infants. pic.twitter.com/oP6QlLbGMI
— Embassy of IR Iran Pakistan (@IraninIslamabad) August 26, 2026
Turkey’s embassy in Islamabad said it was deeply saddened by the loss of newborn lives and extended its heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathies to the bereaved families.
We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of newborn lives in today’s fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) Hospital in Islamabad.
We extend our heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathies to the bereaved families. Our thoughts and prayers are with them at…
— Türkiye in Pakistan (@TC_IslamabadBE) August 26, 2026
China’s embassy expressed deep sorrow over the deaths of the infants and offered its deepest condolences and sympathies to the grieving families.
Deeply saddened by the loss of precious lives of 14 infants due to a fire at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) hospital in Islamabad today. The Embassy of the People’s Republic of China extends its deepest condolences and sympathies to the bereaved families.
— Chinese Emb Pakistan (@CathayPak) August 26, 2026
The British High Commission in Pakistan described the tragedy as heartbreaking and extended its deepest condolences and thoughts to the parents and families who lost their newborns.
Heartbreaking news that at least 14 infants sadly passed away following a terrible fire at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences. Our deepest condolences and thoughts are with the parents and families at this unimaginably difficult time.
— UK in Pakistan 🇬🇧🇵🇰 (@ukinpakistan) August 26, 2026
France described the incident as deeply distressing and extended its deepest sympathies to the families and everyone affected by the tragedy.
🇨🇵🇵🇰
Our hearts go out to the families who lost their newborn children in tragic fire at PIMS in Islamabad. Loss of innocent lives is heartbreaking and deeply distressing. Embassy of France extends its deepest sympathies to bereaved families & everyone affected by this tragedy.— France in Pakistan 🇫🇷🇪🇺 (@FranceinPak) August 26, 2026
Spain’s embassy in Pakistan offered heartfelt condolences, saying its thoughts were with those affected by the heartbreaking incident.
The Embassy of Spain is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of 14 newborns in the fire at PIMS in Islamabad. We extend our heartfelt condolences to their families and loved ones. Our thoughts are with all those affected by this heartbreaking tragedy.
— Emb. de España Islamabad/Emb. of Spain Islamabad (@SpaininPakistan) August 26, 2026
Nigeria expressed condolences and sympathy to Pakistan’s government and people, particularly the families affected by the deaths, and said it stood in solidarity with them.
Syria conveyed its sincere condolences and sympathy to Pakistan’s government and people, offering prayers for strength to the families mourning their newborns.
Afghanistan’s embassy in Islamabad expressed deep sorrow over the loss of the newborns and extended heartfelt sympathies to their grieving families.
The Embassy of Afghanistan in Islamabad expresses its deep sorrow and condolences over the tragic fire that broke out at PIMS Hospital in Islamabad, resulting in the deaths of several newborn babies. The Embassy extends its heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families and prays…
— AFG Embassy Pakistan (@AfghanEmbPak) August 26, 2026
The fire broke out around 7 a.m. on the third floor of the Mother and Child Health ward, according to local media reports. Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal said an air conditioner exploded before the fire spread rapidly, aided by the high levels of oxygen in the ward.
Television footage showed a blackened ward, damaged equipment and smoke rising from the building after the blaze. Authorities later cordoned off the affected area.
The tragedy has also raised questions about safety arrangements at the government-run hospital. Some grieving parents alleged that the ward lacked adequate fire-safety measures and proper emergency exits.
Javeria, who lost her newborn, alleged that there were no doctors or nurses present when the fire broke out. Kamal rejected the allegation and said medical staff were present.
Another bereaved parent, Mudasir, alleged that the ward had inadequate fire protection and that most doors were closed, leaving families with limited access to their children during the emergency.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered an investigation into the incident and suspended the health secretary, his office said.
PIMS is one of Islamabad’s main public hospitals and serves patients from the capital and surrounding areas. The deaths have renewed concerns about safety standards and emergency preparedness in Pakistan’s public health system.
As messages of sympathy continue to arrive from abroad, the investigation is expected to determine how the fire started, whether safety protocols were followed and whether any failures contributed to the deaths of the 14 newborns.
