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Pakistan’s government will bestow one of its highest civilian honors on a nurse who single-handedly rescued the only surviving newborn from a catastrophic fire at a major Islamabad hospital that claimed 14 other infants. The blaze swept through the nursery ward at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences on Wednesday, with security camera footage showing Razia Noreen rushing into the flames and emerging seconds later clutching a baby before flames and smoke made re-entry impossible.
In an emotional television interview Sunday, Noreen rejected any suggestion her actions warranted special recognition, stating her work with children represented both duty and passion. She expressed profound anguish over her inability to rescue the other 14 newborns, noting the fire consumed the nursery within approximately two minutes, preventing her from making additional rescue attempts after carrying the first baby to safety.
An official inquiry commissioned by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif confirmed Noreen entered and exited the nursery within eight seconds carrying the infant. The 15 newborns present at the time were on the third floor when the fire erupted, with the ward deteriorating catastrophically in roughly 120 seconds.
Noreen will receive the Sitara-i-Khidmat, or Star of Service, an award recognizing exceptional public service and national contributions, along with approximately $36,000 in recognition. Prime Minister Sharif praised her exceptional bravery and commitment to duty in risking her life at a critical moment.
Eight hospital officials have been suspended, with disciplinary action underway and criminal proceedings ordered against those determined to bear responsibility. Investigators continue examining the fire’s cause while Pakistani health authorities have launched comprehensive fire-safety reviews across hospital networks nationwide.
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