Pakistan's president has approved the Tamgha-i-Shujaat, a gallantry medal, for a nurse at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) who saved a newborn during a deadly fire, Dawn reports. The nurse, identified in reporting as Razia Noreen, was recognized for rescuing the infant as the fire broke out at the Islamabad hospital.
The approval was carried by multiple Pakistani outlets, including Dawn, The Nation, and the Associated Press of Pakistan, all of which reported the president's decision. The award is the central development, and it follows earlier recognition of Noreen's actions.
Separately, Radio Pakistan reported that the governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa awarded Noreen a cash prize of Rs100,000 along with an honorary shield. Independent News Pakistan reported that a Chinese healthcare company contributed Rs1 million to the nurse. Those honors are distinct from the presidential medal and came from different bodies.
The reports describe Noreen's action as taking place during a fire at PIMS that was fatal, though the material reviewed does not specify the number of casualties or the cause of the blaze. The accounts consistently credit her with saving the newborn, and the award approval reflects official recognition of that act.
The Tamgha-i-Shujaat is a state award conferred for bravery, and its approval for Noreen places her among those formally honored for courage. The reporting does not indicate a date for the medal ceremony or further details of the citation.
What to watch next: whether a formal investiture date is announced and whether additional details of the PIMS fire investigation are released.