THE fire at the Pal(istan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims) that claimed the lives of 15 newborns once again exposed the devastating consequences of inadequate fire-safety enforcement and institutional neglect. Tragic incidents like this, including the Gul Plaza inferno, the Baldia Town factory ñre and severalothers,should mal(e us realise that safety cannot be sacrificed for convenience or petty savings.

Hospitals and all public buildings must have clearly marl(ed, unobstructed emergency exits, functional fire-alarms, smoke detectors, extinguishers and sprinklers, regular inspections and properly trained staff. Strict action must follow against anyone found responsible for locking exits, ignoring safety violations or failing to respond in time.

What is most painful is the apparent insensitivity of the departments responsible for protecting citizens. Repeated warnings, letters and public tragedies seem to produce neither accountability nor reform, and it appears that government departments are not willing to learn lessons, and, indeed, not willing to take appropriate actions.

The loss of lives has shattered not only families, but also public trust in government institutions meant to safeguard the people.

Without comprehensive and transparent investigations, criminal accountability and immediate corrective action, official assurances would remain empty words.

Air-Cdre (retd) M. Khalid Kamal Islamabad