Razia Noreen wins praise after risking life to save newborn

PIMS nurse Razia Noreen praised for risking her life to rescue a newborn during hospital fire
PIMS nurse Razia Noreen is being honoured for rescuing a newborn from a burning room during the hospital fire.
Published September 2, 2026 12:00 AM
ISLAMABAD (Web Desk): PIMS nurse Razia Noreen is being praised for risking her life to rescue a newborn from a burning room during a fire at the hospital.

Noreen entered the smoke-filled room when the fire broke out, focusing only on getting the trapped babies to safety.

According to a report by The Washington Post, she managed to rescue one newborn in just eight seconds.

The nurse said she did not think about her own safety when she entered the burning room. Her attention remained on the infants who were trapped inside.

“I did not think about becoming a hero; I simply performed my duty as a nurse and as a mother,” she said.

Nurse puts babies before her own safety

Noreen said her decision was driven by a simple goal: saving the infants.

She entered the dangerous room despite the flames and heavy smoke. The situation gave her very little time to act, but she quickly reached a newborn and brought the child out safely.

Her actions have since attracted widespread attention across Pakistan. Many people have praised her courage and dedication to her duty during the emergency.

The incident has also highlighted the difficult conditions faced by medical workers during emergencies. Nurses and other hospital staff can be required to make quick decisions when patients are unable to protect themselves.

For Noreen, the situation was especially urgent because the patients inside the affected room were newborn babies.

‘I simply performed my duty’

Noreen has played down the idea that she acted to become a hero.

Instead, she described her actions as part of her responsibility as a nurse and mother. Her comments have added a personal dimension to the story and helped explain why she entered a room filled with smoke and fire.

“I did not think about becoming a hero; I simply performed my duty as a nurse and as a mother,” she said.

Her statement has resonated with many people because she did not describe the rescue as an extraordinary achievement. She focused instead on the responsibility of protecting vulnerable children.

The newborns inside the room had little ability to escape without assistance. This made the actions of hospital workers particularly important during the emergency.

Noreen’s quick response helped save at least one baby from the fire-hit area.

Courage earns praise across Pakistan

The nurse’s bravery has received appreciation from different sections of Pakistani society.

Her actions have reportedly been praised by members of Muslim and Christian communities, along with people from other backgrounds.

The response has turned Noreen into a widely recognised figure following the PIMS fire. Her decision to enter the burning room has been described as an example of courage and commitment to duty.

The recognition also comes at a time when questions have been raised about the circumstances surrounding the PIMS fire and the safety arrangements inside the hospital.

The incident reportedly caused serious concern because newborns were among those affected by the fire.

Noreen’s rescue has therefore become one of the most emotional parts of the wider story surrounding the hospital tragedy.

Also Read: Heavy rain triggers high alert in twin cities, kills 2 in KP

Government announces national honour

The Government of Pakistan has also recognised Noreen’s actions.

Authorities have announced that she will receive the Sitara-i-Khidmat for her courage and service. A financial reward has also been announced in recognition of her actions during the emergency.

The honour is expected to formally recognise the risk she took while attempting to protect a newborn.

For many people, the award also represents recognition of the wider role played by healthcare workers during emergencies.

Noreen’s actions have brought attention to the importance of quick decision-making and personal courage inside hospitals during dangerous situations.

A story of duty during tragedy

The PIMS fire has raised serious questions and caused deep concern, but Noreen’s actions have provided a moment of hope amid the tragedy.

Her decision to enter a burning room showed the risks medical workers can face while caring for vulnerable patients.

The eight-second rescue has become the central detail of her story. It shows how quickly she acted when every second mattered.

Noreen’s account also makes clear that she was not seeking public recognition. She saw the rescue as part of her responsibility toward the babies under her care.

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