Islamabad: Staff Nurse Razia Noreen has been hailed for her courage after she rescued a newborn from the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) nursery during the fire that claimed the lives of 14 infants on August 26.
According to the interim inquiry report released by the government, Noreen entered the burning nursery at approximately 6:38:56 am and emerged around eight seconds later carrying a baby to safety. She subsequently attempted to reenter the nursery but was unable to do so as smoke and flames intensified.
The inquiry committee said the nursery environment deteriorated catastrophically within approximately two minutes of the first visible emergency.
The fire broke out in the third floor nursery of PIMS’s Mother and Child Healthcare Centre, where 15 newborns were being cared for. Fourteen infants died, while the baby rescued by Noreen was the only survivor from the nursery.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved the conferment of the Sitara i Khidmat on Noreen in recognition of her actions. She has also been awarded a cash reward of 10 million Rupees for risking her life to rescue the newborn.
The Prime Minister also directed that Noreen and a female security guard who were present in the ward be placed as Officers on Special Duty (OSDs), while further investigation into the incident continues.
The government inquiry found serious shortcomings in fire safety, emergency preparedness and response arrangements at the hospital. It also noted that the precise technical source of the fire had not yet been conclusively established, with further investigation required to determine how the blaze originated.
The inquiry led to the suspension of eight officials and the initiation of disciplinary proceedings, with criminal proceedings also ordered against those found responsible.
The government has separately directed action regarding the security company deployed at PIMS, following preliminary findings into its contractual obligations.
While the incident has raised serious questions about hospital safety and emergency preparedness, Noreen’s actions have emerged as a rare positive moment from the tragedy.
Her decision to enter the burning nursery and evacuate the newborn before conditions became unsurvivable has earned her national recognition.
Noreen has said that she acted out of a sense of duty and her concern for the children in her care, rather than for recognition or reward.
Her recognition comes as authorities continue to investigate the PIMS fire and examine measures needed to strengthen fire safety, emergency response and evacuation procedures in hospitals across the country.
