PM rewards nurse who saved newborn in PIMS fire

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has honoured nurse Razia Noreen for her extraordinary courage during a fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), where she risked her own life to rescue a newborn.

During a meeting with the nurse, the prime minister praised her bravery and dedication, saying her actions had earned the respect of the entire nation.

In recognition of her services, Shehbaz announced that Razia Noreen would receive the Tamgha-i-Khidmat (Medal of Service) on March 23. He also awarded her a cash prize of Rs10 million for her courageous act.

The recognition follows the nurse’s actions during the PIMS fire, when she reportedly put her own safety aside to ensure that a vulnerable newborn was brought out of danger.

Speaking during the meeting, the prime minister praised Noreen’s courage and commitment to saving a life despite the risks involved.

“You risked your life and saved the life of a child with courage, fear of God and for a great purpose,” Shehbaz said, praying that Allah reward her for her service.

He added that the entire country was proud of her courage and determination and was paying tribute to her bravery.

The prime minister’s office shared details of the meeting on social media, highlighting Noreen’s role in the rescue and the government’s decision to formally recognise her contribution.

The award announcement has also drawn attention to the risks routinely faced by healthcare workers, particularly during emergencies when hospitals can quickly become dangerous environments.

For Noreen, the incident was not simply a moment of professional duty but a decision that placed another person’s life ahead of her own safety.

Her actions have since become a symbol of courage among hospital staff and the wider public, with officials praising her commitment to the nursing profession.

The Rs10m award and national honour are intended to recognise her exceptional service and sacrifice.

The government’s decision also places the spotlight on the importance of emergency preparedness in major healthcare facilities, where medical workers may be called upon to protect vulnerable patients under extremely difficult circumstances.

As Pakistan prepares to honour Noreen on March 23, her story is likely to remain one of the most striking examples of courage shown by a healthcare worker during a hospital emergency.

For the newborn’s family, however, the recognition carries an even deeper meaning: a nurse chose to act when every second mattered — and helped save a life.