KARACHI: The Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) has called for enhanced compensation and significant reforms following a fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad, which resulted in the deaths of 14 newborns. The President of KCCI, Muhammad Rehan Hanif, has urged the federal government to increase the compensation for each affected family from the announced Rs5 million to Rs10 million, citing the need for a compassionate response to the tragedy.

According to Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Hanif expressed his condolences to the bereaved families and emphasized the need for a thorough investigation into the incident. He stated that the fire at one of the country's leading public hospitals raises critical concerns about safety measures in healthcare facilities. The KCCI president highlighted the importance of transparent inquiries and holding accountable those responsible for any lapses.

Rehan Hanif referenced a previous incident, the Gul Plaza fire in Karachi, where the Sindh government provided Rs10 million in compensation to affected families. He encouraged the federal government to follow this precedent, arguing that increased compensation would demonstrate the State's commitment to supporting grieving families and restoring public confidence.

In addition to compensation, Hanif called for a nationwide audit of hospital safety protocols, including fire prevention, electrical safety, and emergency preparedness. He stressed the importance of fully functional safety systems and urged for regular inspections and drills to ensure compliance with safety standards. Hanif appealed to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to oversee the enhancement of compensation and the implementation of reforms to prevent future tragedies.