Christian Nurse Honored for Heroism During Deadly Hospital Fire in Pakistan

Razia Noreen, a Christian staff nurse at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences in Islamabad, has been recognized for her bravery following a fatal fire in the hospital's mother and child health ward. The blaze, which occurred on August 26, resulted in the deaths of 14 newborns. Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal stated that an investigation determined the fire was caused by an exploding air-conditioning unit, which spread rapidly due to high oxygen levels in the nursery.

Of the 15 infants present in the ward, Noreen successfully rescued one before the fire consumed the area. In response to her actions, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that Noreen will receive the Sitara-i-Khidmat, a prestigious civil award, along with a cash prize of 10 million Pakistani rupees. While expressing gratitude for the recognition, Noreen stated that she was simply performing her professional duty and expressed deep sorrow that she was unable to save the other infants. She described the event as a sudden, overwhelming tragedy that left her feeling helpless.