Initial PIMS incident report sent to PM, action against authorities advised.

The initial inquiry report of PIMS incident has been given to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The investigation committee has determined the causes of the incident and the people responsible for it and recommended action against them.

Sources claimed the report was compiled by an investigative committee headed by former interior secretary Shahid Khan and handed over late Friday to the office of Prime Minister’s Adviser Tauqeer Shah. The committee also briefed officials on the report’s principal findings and recommendations.

All the members of the inquiry committee have signed the report but the authority to make it public has been left to the prime minister.

Sources said the inquiry also highlighted problems experienced by rescue crews during relief operations and reviewed the circumstances that contributed to the incident.

The committee has recommended disciplinary action against the relevant PIMS staff members who were absent at the time of the incident.

The paper also makes recommendations to prevent re-occurrence. Interviews with PIMS administration officials and doctors are also included, along with testimonies from fire brigade and rescue workers involved in the emergency response.

The inquiry committee also expressed worry about treatment procedures and poor facilities at PIMS saying the arrangements available were not up to the international standards.

Sources stated the committee has recommended that the prime minister take urgent action against anyone found guilty.

The prime minister is said to have decided to take action on the basis of the results of the probe and procedures against the concerned officials are likely to be initiated soon.

Sources in the inquiry committee also verified that the report had been properly sent to the Prime Minister’s Office.