ISLAMABAD: PIMS staff nurse Razia Noreen has been recognised for her bravery during a deadly hospital fire. She risked her life to rescue a newborn from the burning nursery.
The incident occurred at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences in Islamabad. The fire broke out in the hospital’s nursery on August 26, 2026.
According to the supplied report, President Asif Ali Zardari approved the conferment of the Tamgha-e-Shujaat on Noreen. The honour was described as recognition of her courage during the emergency.
However, official and media reports have separately stated that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced the Tamgha-e-Khidmat for Noreen. He also presented her with a Rs10 million cash award.
Noreen entered the burning nursery after seeing the fire. She managed to bring one newborn outside safely. The child was the only survivor among the babies inside the nursery.
Government inquiry findings also documented her rescue effort. CCTV footage showed Noreen entering the nursery and emerging seconds later with a baby. She then attempted to return inside.
The fire claimed the lives of 14 newborn babies. The incident prompted an inquiry into fire safety and emergency response arrangements at PIMS.
The reported recognition for Noreen highlights her actions during the emergency. Her rescue effort has also received public recognition from government officials.
The Tamgha-e-Shujaat reference in the supplied report concerns the recognition described there. Other reports have identified the announced award as Tamgha-e-Khidmat. This distinction is important for accurate reporting.
The president also approved several other measures, according to the supplied report. These included the National Institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage Amendment Bill 2026.
Another approved measure concerns the Standard Time (Interpretation of References) Amendment Bill 2026. The measures relate to changes in existing laws and administrative matters.
The president also approved a revision to the Table of Organization and Equipment. The change relates to the Armed Forces Institute of Urology in Rawalpindi.
Another measure concerns the environmentally responsible management of hazardous materials on ships. The measure focuses on handling such materials in an environmentally responsible manner.
The recognition of Noreen comes after a major fire that raised questions about hospital safety. A government inquiry examined the incident and emergency response.
The inquiry found that the nursery conditions deteriorated rapidly during the fire. It also examined fire safety arrangements and evacuation procedures.
In other news read more about PIMS Fire Police Launch Probe Into Deaths of 14 Newborn Babies
Razia Noreen’s rescue of the newborn remains a key part of the incident’s official record. Her actions during the emergency have since received national attention.
