Nurse Razia Noreen faced an impossible choice as flames engulfed a hospital ward full of vulnerable newborns — and she chose to run toward danger.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif awarded Noreen for her bravery during the fatal fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) on August 26, in which 14 infants died. The incident has triggered national mourning and renewed questions about hospital safety standards and emergency preparedness.

Prime Minister Sharif met Noreen at his residence on Thursday and announced a national civil award for her courage, and presented her with a Rs10 million cheque, the report says.

Noreen said she went into action during the fire as a mother would to protect the babies in her care. She said that she had turned back to rescue the remaining babies when a blast occurred, plunging the area into darkness, which prevented her from saving the other infants.

Although she was able to save baby from the burning facility, she is still very moved by those she could not rescue.

She has won widespread praise for her courage but the tragedy has also raised serious safety concerns at the hospital. Prime Minister Sharif has ordered a full investigation into the incident and has directed authorities to take action against those responsible for the negligence.

He has also called for more safety in the hospital to help prevent such a tragedy from happening again.

Noreen's story stands in stark contrast to the devastating loss of 14 young lives. But her actions are an example of courage under extraordinary pressure. The incident also raises a broader question: how many hospital tragedies could be avoided if safety failures were addressed before disaster strikes?

For Noreen the recognition may be a tribute to her courage, which she definitely deserves. But for the families who lost their children, justice will be ultimately measured by accountability and meaningful reforms.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)