Rs. 10 Million and Civil Award Announced for Nurse Who Saved a Baby in PIMS Fire

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved a Rs. 10 million cash reward and the Sitara-i-Khidmat for nurse Razia Noreen, who rescued a newborn during the deadly fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad.

The prime minister praised Noreen for showing exceptional courage and devotion to duty during the blaze.

The fire broke out in the neonatal nursery at PIMS on August 26.

According to the inquiry findings, 15 newborn babies were inside the ward at the time of the incident.

Fourteen babies died in the fire. However, Razia Noreen managed to rescue one newborn before the situation worsened.

The child was the only baby to survive the tragedy.

The inquiry report noted that Noreen saved the infant while putting her own life at risk.

Following the findings, Shehbaz Sharif approved a Rs. 10 million, or Rs. 1 crore, cash reward for the nurse.

He also approved the Sitara-i-Khidmat, a civil award, in recognition of her bravery and service.

The prime minister said Noreen showed extraordinary courage and responsibility during the emergency.

He added that the nation was proud of her for risking her life to save the child.

Meanwhile, the government has ordered action against officials identified in the inquiry into the PIMS fire.

The prime minister directed the suspension of eight officials and ordered criminal proceedings against those found responsible.

Authorities were also told to take action against the private security company deployed at the hospital.

The inquiry found serious shortcomings in fire safety, evacuation procedures and the emergency response.

However, investigators have not yet conclusively established the exact cause of the fire.

Further forensic examination is underway.

The government has also announced Rs. 5 million in compensation for each family affected by the tragedy.