Don’t just ask us to have Sabr! Celebrities react after doctor defends staff over newborn tragedy
Pakistani celebrities have strongly reacted after a doctor defended medical staff following the tragic deaths of newborn babies in a fire at Islamabad’s Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS).
Sajal Aly, Mahira Khan and Rubina Ashraf have called for accountability, saying grieving families deserve answers rather than condolences alone.
The fire broke out on August 26 in the mother and Child Health ward of PIMS. Officials said 15 newborns were in the affected unit, with one baby rescued and 14 losing their lives. A high-level inquiry was launched to examine the cause of the fire and the hospital’s response.
The cause of the blaze remains under investigation. Initial official statements pointed to an air-conditioner blast, while an initial PIMS report linked the incident to an oxygen-related ignition near an incubator. A National Assembly health committee later said the fire may have resulted from a technical fault.
In a video message, a doctor defended the hospital’s medical team and rejected criticism that doctors had been responsible for delays or negligence. He said doctors work extremely long shifts and pointed out that premature and critically ill babies are particularly vulnerable to smoke and fire.
He also said police, rescue teams and medical staff were present during the emergency and argued that the tragedy should not automatically be blamed on doctors or hospital staff before the investigation is completed.
The doctor’s remarks, however, drew a strong response from celebrities and members of the public who believe the incident raises serious questions about hospital safety and accountability.
Sajal Aly was among the most vocal. In an Instagram Story, she referred to the 14 newborns as innocent lives lost and questioned whether the incident could be seen as anything other than a failure of the system.
She also urged people not to simply tell the grieving families to have “sabr”, meaning patience, and move on. Her message stressed that condolences cannot replace answers and accountability. She called for those found responsible to face consequences and said the hospital should explain what happened.
Mahira Khan also expressed deep frustration over the wider pattern of tragedies in the country. In her message, she described deaths caused by what she called “negligence, power, misogyny and silence” and questioned how many more lives would have to be lost before people were held accountable.
Mahira also expressed sympathy for the families affected by several recent incidents, saying the growing list of victims has left her heartbroken. Her message focused on the need for accountability rather than allowing each tragedy to fade from public attention.
Rubina Ashraf also reacted strongly to the loss of the newborns, calling the incident a “black day” and describing it as sheer negligence. Her emotional response reflected the anger being expressed by many people following the fire.
At the same time, parents and witnesses have raised their own concerns about what happened inside the ward. Questions have been raised about access to the neonatal unit, staff availability and the emergency response.