ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Health has demanded the resignation of Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal following a fire incident at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS). Members of the committee, led by Chairman Dr. Mahesh Kumar, visited PIMS and inspected the site of the incident. The lawmakers strongly criticised the hospital administration and questioned the lack of clarity over the cause of the fire. Speaking to the media, Dr. Mahesh Kumar said different explanations had been given regarding the incident. The health minister had reportedly stated that a spark from an old air conditioner caused the fire, while another account suggested that an oxygen cylinder had exploded. He said hospital officials were themselves unclear about how the fire started. The committee chairman said an investigative committee comprising experienced doctors would be formed to determine the actual cause of the incident. Committee member Dr. Shazia Sobia said doctors and hospital staff had provided conflicting accounts. She called for the resignation of both the health minister and the Executive Director of PIMS. Dr. Mahesh Kumar said the committee had also questioned the administration about CCTV footage to determine whether the fire had started from the air conditioner. However, he said the footage did not provide any clear evidence confirming that theory. He further pointed out that the existing nursery building was constructed in 1990, despite a new block having been built at the hospital recently. According to him, doctors on the committee believed the new block would have been more suitable for the nursery, where critically ill newborns are treated. The new block was instead being used for the gynaecology ward, while newborn babies remained in the older building. The committee will examine whether the decision to keep the nursery in the old building was appropriate. The chairman also said the committee would review the findings of the inquiry committee formed on the Prime Minister’s instructions within 24 hours of the incident. Dr. Mahesh Kumar said a meeting of the Standing Committee on Health would be convened soon, where relevant officials would be questioned and asked to provide answers. He also appealed to all committee members, including those affiliated with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), to attend the meeting, describing the matter as extremely important.