ISLAMABAD: The federal government has accepted the resignation of Islamabad Healthcare Regulatory Authority (IHRA) Chairman Dr Muhammad Riaz Shahbaz Janjua.
The Ministry of National Health Services has issued a formal notification confirming the resignation. The notification said the federal cabinet approved Dr Janjua’s resignation as a member of the IHRA board.
Following acceptance of his resignation, Dr Janjua relinquished charge as IHRA chairman with immediate effect. The decision was taken under the Islamabad Healthcare Regulation Act, 2018.
The development comes days after the tragedy at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), where 14 newborns were confirmed dead after a blaze engulfed a nursery on August 26. One of the 15 babies in the ward was rescued.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has since ordered action against officials found responsible for negligence. An interim inquiry report identified serious shortcomings in fire safety, evacuation and emergency response arrangements. Eight officials have been suspended, with disciplinary and possible criminal proceedings ordered.
The PIMS incident has triggered wider scrutiny of safety standards in public healthcare facilities. Authorities are now facing growing pressure to strengthen emergency systems and ensure hospitals meet safety requirements.
Dr Janjua had served as IHRA chairman since October 2024. The authority’s official profile says he provided strategic direction for healthcare regulation and quality assurance.
Meanwhile, the PIMS inquiry is continuing. Authorities have said the precise technical cause of the incident has not yet been conclusively established.
