Pakistani nurse to be honoured for saving newborn from deadly hospital fire

A Pakistani nurse, Razia Noreen, will be honored with one of the country’s highest civil awards for her bravery in rescuing a newborn from a hospital nursery fire that claimed the lives of 14 other infants. On Wednesday, a fire engulfed the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences in Islamabad, leaving Noreen as the sole survivor among the 15 newborns cared for in the third-floor nursery at the time.

CCTV footage, widely shared online, shows Noreen running into the burning nursery and emerging seconds later with the infant in her arms. She attempted to return into the nursery but was unable to due to the intense flames and thick smoke. Noreen, speaking tearfully to private broadcaster Samaa TV, said she did not seek any reward, but expressed her love for children and her passion for caring for them.

She lamented her inability to save the other infants as the fire spread rapidly, stating, "I cannot sleep. Those babies do not let me sleep." She will be awarded the Sitara-i-Khidmat, or Star of Service, which recognizes individuals who have rendered distinguished public service or made exceptional contributions to the nation, along with a monetary award of about US$36,000.

The announcement garnered significant praise online. An inquiry requested by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif confirmed that Noreen entered the nursery and emerged eight seconds later with the baby, as the nursery "deteriorated catastrophically within approximately two minutes." Fifteen newborns were present in the nursery when the fire broke out.

In response to the tragedy, Sharif ordered criminal proceedings against those ultimately held responsible and suspended 15 officials for their role in the incident. The fire's cause remains under investigation, and the tragedy has prompted broader reviews of fire-safety measures at hospitals across Pakistan, as it was one of the deadliest recent tragedies involving children in the country.