Famous US Newspaper Hails PIMS Nurse as National Hero

A nurse who dived into the burning nursery at Islamabad’s Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) to save a newborn has been hailed as a national hero by the Washington Post. The nurse, Razia Noreen, risked her life to retrieve the infant, emerging just eight seconds later with the baby in her arms. Tragically, the rescue was not enough, as Noreen was unable to save the other 14 newborns who perished in the fire.

The American newspaper published an Associated Press report detailing Noreen’s heroic actions, praising her bravery for setting an example both nationally and internationally. Despite her immense courage, Noreen insisted that her actions were a duty as a nurse and a mother, driven solely by her desire to save the babies, not for recognition or reward.

She expressed profound sorrow over the loss of the 14 infants and described the tragedy as emotionally devastating, leaving her deeply traumatized. In recognition of her bravery, the Pakistani government has awarded Noreen the Sitara-i-Khidmat, or Star of Service, along with a financial compensation.