A Christian nurse who risked her life to rescue an infant from a deadly fire at a government hospital in Pakistan’s federal capital has been hailed as a hero across the country after CCTV footage of the rescue went viral on social media.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday announced that Staff Nurse Razia Noreen would receive the Sitara-i-Khidmat (Star of Service), one of Pakistan’s civil awards, along with a cash prize of 10 million Pakistani rupees (about 35,850 USD) in recognition of her bravery.
At least 14 newborns were killed when fire broke out at about 7 a.m. on Aug. 26 in the mother and child health ward at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad. Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal said an inquiry found that the fire started after an air-conditioning unit exploded and spread rapidly because of the high concentration of oxygen in the ward.
Fifteen newborns were in the nursery when the fire erupted. Noreen managed to rescue one of them, while the other 14 died, according to officials.
Prime Minister Sharif praised Noreen for demonstrating “exemplary responsibility and bravery” by risking her own life to rescue the infant shortly before the fire caused extensive destruction in the ward.
He said the entire nation was proud of her for risking her life to save another.
“Dutiful and devoted individuals like Razia Noreen deserve the highest level of appreciation and national recognition,” Sharif said.
Speaking to a local television channel after the announcement, Noreen thanked the government for the recognition but said she had simply performed her duty.
She said she was deeply saddened that she could not save the other infants and became emotional while recalling the victims. The tragedy, she said, had left her unable to sleep.
Noreen recalled that the fire erupted so suddenly that she had little time to understand what was happening.
“I was administering medicine to the children when flames suddenly began emerging from an air conditioner,” she said. “I wanted to save the other children too, but the fire left me helpless.”
She said saving lives was at the heart of nursing.
“Nursing is about saving lives. I did not do anyone a favor. It was my duty,” she said.
Christian leaders have also praised Noreen, describing her actions as an example of Christian service and selflessness.
Ejaz Alam Augustine, a Christian member of the Punjab Assembly, told Christian Daily International that Noreen’s courage demonstrated “the true meaning of living as a follower of Christ.”
“Through her bravery, selfless service, and willingness to put the lives of others before her own, she has not only fulfilled her duty as a Christian but has also made the Christian community in Pakistan and around the world very proud,” Augustine said. He described her actions as an example of faith expressed through love and service.
Christian Senator Khalil Tahir Sindhu also praised Noreen on Facebook, saying Pakistan could be proud of her “courage, duty and humanity” and describing her actions as an inspiration.
Saint Thomas Church in Islamabad also commended Noreen in a Facebook post, saying her efforts to save the infant reflected “the love of Christ and the true spirit of nursing.”
Noreen's actions have also drawn praise from Muslims and other Pakistanis on social media, with users describing her as a hero and praising her willingness to place the infant’s life ahead of her own safety.
“Salute to Ms Razia for her extraordinary courage and selfless act in saving a child from the devastating fire at PIMS. Ms Razia, you are a true hero! The way you risked your own life to save a child from the devastating fire at PIMS is an extraordinary act of courage and humanity. As a nurse, you put the child’s life before your own safety without hesitation. We are incredibly proud of you. Your bravery and dedication represent the very best of our healthcare workers,” Shahid Ali Khan wrote on Facebook.
Meanwhile, Sharif has ordered the suspension of eight officials, including PIMS Executive Director Muhammad Iqbal, and directed authorities to initiate criminal proceedings against those found responsible for negligence.
According to a statement from the prime minister’s office, Sharif said there would be no leniency for those responsible for criminal negligence and vowed that those responsible would be brought to justice.
“The deaths of these innocent children are a heartbreaking tragedy that has left the entire nation grieving,” Sharif said. “My sympathies, along with those of the entire nation, are with the children’s parents.”
The fire is among the deadliest reported hospital fires in Pakistan in recent years. Government hospitals in the country provide subsidized healthcare but are often overcrowded and operate with limited resources. State-run health facilities have also faced repeated criticism over inadequate safety measures, management failures and poor infrastructure.
