Islamabad: Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday received Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Said Al Malki for a farewell call at the PM House, where the ambassador reiterated his country's condolences for the recent tragic fire at PIMS hospital in Islamabad that claimed the lives of 14 newborn infants.
The PM praised Al Malki’s contribution to strengthening the longstanding Pakistan-Saudi Arabia relationship and appreciated Riyadh’s continued support for Pakistan. He also conveyed his regards to Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Ambassador Al Malki has served in Pakistan since 2017.
PM Shehbaz congratulated the ambassador on the successful completion of his official assignment and thanked the ambassador for his “outstanding contribution towards further strengthening the deep-rooted fraternal and strategic ties” between the two countries.
The meeting came as messages of condolence continued to arrive from around the world following the tragedy at PIMS.
Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry earlier expressed condolences over the loss of life and said it stood with the government and people of Pakistan, wishing its people continued security and safety.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs 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, Islamabad, which resulted in the deaths of a number of newborn babies,” the statement read on Wednesday.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei also expressed condolences, praying for patience for the bereaved parents and a speedy recovery for those injured. The British High Commission described the loss of newborn lives as “heartbreaking”, while Türkiye’s embassy expressed deep sadness and solidarity with Pakistan.
PM Sharif has ordered an inquiry into the incident, while the Islamabad district administration has constituted a separate fact-finding committee to determine the cause of the fire, assess fire safety arrangements and examine the effectiveness of rescue and firefighting operations. The committee has been directed to submit its findings within 24 hours.
