ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday met nurse Razia Noreen, who risked her life to rescue a newborn during the recent fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), and praised her courage and dedication.
During the meeting, the PM said Noreen had put her own life at risk to save the newborn, describing her act as one that would be remembered.
He said the entire nation was proud of her bravery and prayed that she would be rewarded for her noble deed.
Sharif announced that Noreen would be conferred the Tamgha-e-Khidmat on March 23 in recognition of her services.
He also presented her with a Rs10 million cheque, saying the amount was intended to encourage her and that she was deserving of the recognition.
Noreen briefed the prime minister on the fire and her efforts to rescue the newborn, identified as Asifa.
She said she entered the affected area after seeing the fire, without regard for her own safety, rescued the baby and handed her over to Dr Abdul Rehman to ensure that she remained safe amid the chaos.
She said she also tried to rescue other children but could not do so as the emergency rapidly worsened.
“The fire spread quickly, darkness fell suddenly and smoke filled the area,” she said.
Noreen expressed gratitude to the prime minister for the recognition, while stressing that her fellow nurses had also worked with equal dedication.
Describing the PIMS fire as a deeply tragic incident, Prime Minister Sharif said those responsible would face strict action.
He also directed the Ministry of Health to improve facilities at PIMS and address the hospital’s long-standing issues.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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