Pakistan will honor nurse Razia Noreen with the prestigious Sitara-i-Khidmat (Star of Service) after she rescued the only surviving newborn from a devastating fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad that claimed the lives of 14 infants.
The announcement has drawn nationwide praise, with many hailing Noreen as a symbol of courage, compassion and dedication in the face of tragedy.
Nurse Razia Noreen Risked Her Life to Save Newborn
The fire broke out at the nursery ward of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), one of the country’s largest government hospitals, on Wednesday.
A 51-second CCTV clip that quickly spread across social media showed Razia Noreen rushing into the smoke-filled nursery moments after the fire erupted. Seconds later, she emerged carrying a newborn baby in her arms, becoming the sole infant survivor of the blaze.
According to reports, Noreen attempted to return to the nursery to rescue more babies but was unable to re-enter due to rapidly spreading flames and dense smoke.
“I Was Only Doing My Duty,” Says Razia Noreen
Speaking to private television channel Samaa TV, an emotional Noreen said she never acted with the expectation of receiving recognition.
“I did not do it for a reward. I love children, and caring for them is my passion,” she said.
Noreen explained that the fire spread through the nursery within minutes, leaving little time for rescue efforts.
“I wanted to save the others, but the fire spread through the nursery within two minutes,” she said.
The nurse also described the emotional impact of the tragedy, saying she continues to struggle with the memories of the infants who lost their lives.
“I cannot sleep. Those babies do not let me sleep,” she said.
Pakistan Announces Sitara-i-Khidmat Award
In recognition of her bravery and service, the government announced that Razia Noreen will receive the Sitara-i-Khidmat, one of Pakistan’s highest civil awards for individuals who render distinguished public service or make exceptional contributions to the nation.
Along with the award, she will receive a cash prize of approximately $36,000.
The decision has been widely welcomed across social media platforms, where thousands of users praised the nurse for risking her own life to save a newborn during one of Pakistan’s deadliest hospital nursery fires.
Islamabad Hospital Fire Raises Safety Concerns
The tragic incident at PIMS has also renewed concerns about fire safety measures in public hospitals across Pakistan.
Authorities are continuing investigations into the cause of the fire, while calls have grown for stronger emergency preparedness protocols and improved safety systems in healthcare facilities to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
As Pakistan prepares to honor Razia Noreen, many see her actions as a reminder of the dedication shown by frontline healthcare workers who often put themselves in danger to save others.
