Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced that Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) nurse Razia Noreen will be conferred with a civil award for her bravery in saving a newborn during the deadly hospital fire that claimed the lives of 14 infants.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif meets with Ms. Razia Naureen, a nurse of the PIMS Islamabad, who saved the life of a child during an unfortunate incident at NICU of the PIMS and hands over a cheque of reward money of 1 Crore to her. pic.twitter.com/26jhhKydkP
— Prime Minister’s Office (@PakPMO) September 3, 2026
Noreen, who risked her life to rescue the newborn during the blaze at PIMS, met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at his office, where the premier praised her courage and described her actions as an example of exceptional bravery.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif meets with Ms. Razia Naureen, a nurse of the PIMS Islamabad, who saved the life of a child during an unfortunate incident at NICU of the PIMS and hands over a cheque of reward money of 1 Crore to her. pic.twitter.com/26jhhKydkP
— Prime Minister’s Office (@PakPMO) September 3, 2026
During the meeting, Shehbaz said Noreen’s courageous act would be remembered in the country’s history and that the entire nation was grateful for her efforts.
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“The nation acknowledges Razia Noreen’s courage and bravery,” the prime minister said, adding that people across Pakistan were paying tribute to the nurse for her heroic actions.
Nurse praised for risking her life
The prime minister particularly praised Noreen for saving the life of the newborn despite the dangerous conditions inside the hospital.
“You demonstrated great courage,” Shehbaz told the nurse during the meeting.
Noreen became widely recognised for her actions during the fire at the hospital’s gynaecology ward, where several newborn babies were being cared for at the time of the incident.
The nurse reportedly remained focused on rescuing the infant as the fire spread through the ward. Her actions brought attention to the courage displayed by medical staff and others present at the hospital during the emergency.
The prime minister said Noreen’s bravery deserved national recognition and announced that she would be honoured with the Tamgha-i-Khidmat on March 23, Pakistan Day.
The award is among the civil honours conferred by the state to recognise individuals for distinguished service and exceptional contributions.
14 newborns killed in PIMS fire
The announcement comes days after a devastating fire at the PIMS hospital in Islamabad that resulted in the deaths of 14 newborn babies.
The fire broke out on August 26 in the hospital’s gynaecology ward, where 15 newborns were present. The tragedy triggered widespread grief and raised serious questions about fire safety arrangements, emergency response mechanisms and preparedness at the hospital.
While one newborn was saved, 14 infants lost their lives in the incident, making it one of the most tragic hospital fires in recent memory.
The incident sparked public outrage and prompted demands for accountability from hospital authorities and government officials.
Questions were also raised about the response of emergency teams and hospital staff during the fire, with eyewitness accounts alleging delays and confusion as people attempted to evacuate the affected area.
The government subsequently initiated action over the incident and sought to determine how the fire started and whether negligence or shortcomings in safety arrangements contributed to the deaths.
Rs10 million reward announced
During his meeting with Noreen, Prime Minister Shehbaz also recalled that he had previously announced a Rs10 million reward for the nurse in recognition of her bravery.
The financial reward, coupled with the announcement of a civil award, represents formal recognition of Noreen’s efforts during the tragedy.
The prime minister said the PIMS fire was a deeply distressing incident and stressed that action had been taken against those responsible.
He also reiterated the government’s commitment to holding those responsible accountable for the tragedy.
The incident has renewed attention on safety standards at public hospitals, particularly facilities caring for vulnerable patients such as newborns.
Recognition for frontline healthcare workers
Noreen’s recognition has also highlighted the role played by frontline healthcare workers during emergencies.
Doctors, nurses and other hospital staff often remain at the scene of disasters while attempting to protect and evacuate patients who may be unable to save themselves.
In the case of the PIMS fire, Noreen’s decision to rescue the newborn has emerged as one of the few positive stories from an otherwise devastating incident.
Her bravery has been widely praised, with the prime minister saying that the country would remember her actions.
The conferment of the Tamgha-i-Khidmat on Pakistan Day will formally recognise Noreen’s service and courage.
For many, the award is not only a tribute to one nurse but also recognition of the dedication of healthcare workers who continue to serve patients under difficult and dangerous circumstances.
As investigations into the PIMS fire continue, the tragedy has underscored the need for stronger fire safety measures, effective emergency protocols and greater preparedness at hospitals across the country to prevent similar incidents in the future.
