PIMS tragedy sparks celebrity fury as stars condemns Mustafa Kamal’s reported remarks
Pakistani celebrities have voiced strong criticism of Health Minister Mustafa Kamal following the devastating PIMS hospital fire that claimed the lives of 14 newborn babies.
The fire broke out on August 26 at the Mother and Child Health ward of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences in Islamabad. Fourteen newborns died, while one baby was rescued. The government launched an inquiry to determine the cause of the fire and examine possible negligence and safety issues.
According to videos circulating on social media, grieving families confronted Mustafa Kamal during his visit and raised questions about the tragedy. In the footage shared online, the minister appears to discuss the need for intensive-care facilities and respond to complaints from people at the scene.
The reported exchange drew criticism from social-media users who felt that grieving parents deserved greater empathy after losing their newborn children.
Actress Bushra Ansari was among the public figures who reacted to the controversy. She stressed that people in positions of authority have a responsibility to listen to affected families and respond to their concerns, particularly during such a painful moment.
Veteran actress Simi Raheal also questioned the apparent lack of empathy shown towards the affected families, adding to the growing discussion over how public officials should respond during a national tragedy.
Actress Sehar Hashmi expressed her anger more directly after resharing a video criticizing Mustafa Kamal. She wrote, “Disgusted to my core.”
The video shared by Sehar carried the caption, “They were Pharaohs before, and they are Pharaohs now!” and called for Mustafa Kamal’s resignation. The message was presented as criticism of his conduct and leadership.
Actor Imran Abbas also joined the discussion with a strong message of his own. In an Instagram Story, he referred to Pharaoh, Nimrod, Yazid and Hitler while suggesting that powerful figures eventually pass into history and can be remembered for their actions.
Imran’s post reflected his anger over what he viewed as an insensitive response during a national tragedy. He suggested that people in positions of power would eventually be judged by history for their actions.
The celebrity reactions have added another layer to the public anger surrounding the PIMS fire. Alongside questions about hospital safety and possible negligence, the discussion has increasingly focused on how officials communicate with families who have suffered such devastating losses.
The tragedy has already led to demands for accountability. An inquiry committee was formed after the fire, while the government also took action against officials as questions over hospital safety and management grew.
Mustafa Kamal has meanwhile said that no one responsible for negligence will be spared. Speaking in the Senate on August 28, he said the government would hold those responsible accountable and called for reforms in the health sector.
He had also said that he was ready to face accountability if an investigation found negligence on his part, stressing that the facts should be established through a transparent inquiry.