Christian nurse hailed as hero in Pakistan after saving infant from deadly hospital fire

September 1, 2026

A Christian nurse who rescued an infant from a deadly fire at a government hospital in Pakistan’s federal capital is being hailed as a hero across the country after CCTV footage of the rescue went viral on social media.

The Christian Post reports that Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday announced that staff nurse Razia Noreen would receive the Star of Service, one of Pakistan’s civil awards, along with a cash prize of 10 million Pakistani rupees (about $35,850) in recognition of her bravery.

At least 14 newborns were killed when fire broke out at around 7 a.m. on Aug. 26 in the mother–and-child health ward at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad.

A Federal Health Minister said an inquiry found that the fire started after an air-conditioning unit exploded and spread rapidly because of the high concentration of oxygen in the ward.

According to the Christian Post, officials reported that fifteen newborns were in the nursery when the fire erupted but Noreen managed to rescue one of them, while the other 14 died.

Prime Minister Sharif lauded Noreen for demonstrating “exemplary responsibility and bravery” by risking her own life to rescue the infant shortly before the fire caused extensive destruction in the ward.

Sharif said, “Dutiful and devoted individuals like Razia Noreen deserve the highest level of appreciation and national recognition.”

Noreen recalled that the fire erupted so suddenly that she had little time to understand what was happening, saying, “I was administering medicine to the children when flames suddenly began emerging from an air conditioner. I wanted to save the other children too, but the fire left me helpless.”

Noreen said saving lives was at the heart of nursing.

Photo: top, Credit: Wikimedia Commons/Aghasadd06