Pakistan will award nurse for saving the sole newborn survivor of a hospital nursery fire

A Pakistani nurse, Razia Noreen, saved the only surviving newborn from a nursery fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences in Islamabad, saving him from 14 other infant fatalities. CCTV footage captured Noreen entering the burning nursery and carrying the newborn out within seconds. She attempted to return but was unable due to the intense flames and thick smoke.

Noreen expressed that she did not seek any reward, as caring for children was her passion. She was heartbroken not being able to rescue the other infants who perished in the fire. Awarded with the Sitara-i-Khidmat, Pakistan's highest civilian honor, and approximately $36,000, Noreen's act of bravery was praised widely online. An inquiry found that Noreen entered the nursery, emerged eight seconds later with the baby, and the nursery collapsed within two minutes. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif commended Noreen's exceptional courage and dedication.