Saudi Arabia has joined a number of countries in expressing condolences and solidarity with Pakistan following the deadly fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims) in Islamabad that claimed the lives of newborn babies, with Iran and Turkey also conveying messages of support. In a statement, the Saudi Foreign Ministry extended its sincere condolences and sympathy to the families of the victims as well as to the government and people of Pakistan following the devastating incident.

The Kingdom expresses its solidarity with the families of the victims and stands with the government and people of Pakistan in the wake of this tragic incident, the ministry said. Saudi Arabia also reaffirmed its support for Pakistan at a time of profound grief, wishing the country and its people continued security and safety. The statement comes after a fire broke out at the Mother and Child Health ward at Pims in Islamabad, killing at least 14 newborn babies.

Pakistani authorities have launched an investigation into the incident and pledged accountability. Saudi Arabia was not alone in expressing sympathy after the tragedy. Iran and Syria also conveyed condolences to Pakistan, with their foreign ministries expressing solidarity with the government and people and sympathy for the families of the newborns killed in the fire.

In the quiet aftermath of the Pims hospital fire that claimed 14 newborn lives in Islamabad, messages of grief began arriving from distant capitals. The British High Commission called the tragedy heartbreaking and offered deepest condolences and thoughts to the parents and families. Turkey's embassy spoke of being deeply saddened by the loss of newborn lives and extended heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathies to the bereaved.

The blaze started around 7am on the third floor of the hospital's Mother and Child Health ward. The fire erupted after a blast in an air conditioner, Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal told reporters. Television footage showed a gutted, blackened ward with scattered equipment and smoke still rising, while grief-stricken women sat on the ground outside the hospital, including Javeria, whose child perished.