President Asif Ali Zardari has approved the conferment of the Tamgha-i-Shujaat on PIMS staff nurse Razia Noreen.
The award recognizes Noreen’s efforts during a deadly fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS).
The nursery fire broke out on August 26 while 15 newborns were inside the facility. Fourteen infants died in the tragic incident.
Noreen managed to rescue the only newborn who survived the fire. She entered the nursery despite the spreading flames and brought the child to safety.
According to the President’s House, Noreen put her own life at risk during the rescue operation. Her actions were captured on CCTV cameras inside the hospital.
The footage showed Noreen entering the nursery as flames spread through the facility. She emerged shortly afterward while carrying the newborn.
Noreen later attempted to enter the nursery again. However, the fire had intensified by that time.
A government inquiry was launched to determine the cause of the PIMS nursery fire. The investigation identified an electrical fault as the likely cause.
According to the inquiry, the fire was likely linked to the electrical supply cable of air conditioner No. 2.
The investigation also identified shortcomings within the hospital’s systems. Institutional failures contributed to the severity of the incident.
The tragedy raised concerns about fire safety and emergency preparedness inside healthcare facilities.
Noreen received recognition from the government following the incident. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had earlier praised her courage and dedication.
The prime minister also presented Noreen with a cheque worth Rs10 million. He announced that she would receive the Tamgha-i-Shujaat on March 23.
President Zardari has now approved the conferment of the national civil award. The Tamgha-i-Shujaat will formally recognize Noreen’s role in the rescue.
The award comes after her actions during one of the hospital’s most serious recent incidents. She was the only staff member reported to have rescued a newborn from the burning nursery.
The PIMS fire resulted in the deaths of 14 infants. The government inquiry has also highlighted wider safety and institutional concerns.
The incident has drawn attention to the need for stronger safety systems in hospitals. It also underlined the importance of effective emergency response procedures.
In other related news also read PIMS Fire Probe PM Seeks Strict Action
Noreen’s rescue effort has now been formally recognized through the Tamgha-i-Shujaat. The award reflects the government’s decision to honor her actions during the nursery fire.
