Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved the Sitara-e-Khidmat and a cash reward of Rs10 million for nurse Razia Noreen, who risked her life to rescue a newborn during the deadly fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS).
The decision was announced after the prime minister reviewed the interim findings of the inquiry committee investigating the tragedy, which claimed the lives of 14 newborn babies.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Razia Noreen demonstrated exceptional courage and a strong sense of duty when she entered the danger zone and rescued a baby shortly before the fire spread across the ward.
Nurse Risked Her Life as Fire Spread
The fire broke out in the neonatal nursery at PIMS, where 15 newborns were reportedly present at the time.
Only one infant was rescued.
The inquiry found that Razia Noreen acted in the critical moments of the emergency and managed to save the child before the flames engulfed the ward.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised her bravery and said her actions represented an exceptional example of professional responsibility and humanity.
He said the entire nation could be proud of the nurse for putting her own life at risk to save the newborn.
PM Orders Recognition for Other Staff
The prime minister also directed that another nurse and a female security guard who were present in the ward be made Officers on Special Duty (OSDs) while further investigations continue.
At the same time, the government has ordered action against officials identified by the inquiry committee as responsible for the tragedy.
Eight officials, including the PIMS executive director and senior medical and administrative officers, have been ordered to face suspension and criminal proceedings. Action has also been approved against the security company operating at the hospital.
The inquiry also highlighted serious weaknesses in PIMS’s fire-safety and emergency preparedness systems.
Inquiry Highlights Serious Safety Failures
The interim inquiry found that the hospital had significant deficiencies in emergency preparedness.
Officials were reportedly informed that PIMS lacked comprehensive fire-emergency procedures and had no dedicated officer specifically responsible for handling hospital emergencies.
The inquiry also pointed to inadequate fire-safety arrangements and previous warning signs. A fire had reportedly occurred at the PIMS nursing hostel in July, but major safety improvements were not implemented afterwards.
The neonatal ward reportedly lacked a fire alarm and sprinkler system.
The inquiry committee, headed by former Interior Secretary Shahid Khan, has been tasked with completing the investigation and recommending measures to prevent similar tragedies.
Prime Minister Shehbaz has also directed that the inquiry’s preliminary report be made public.
He said those found responsible for criminal negligence would not receive any concession and stressed that those responsible must be brought to justice.
For Razia Noreen, however, the government’s decision marks recognition of an act of extraordinary courage during one of the country’s most devastating hospital tragedies.
