LAHORE: Under the leadership of the Chief Minister Punjab, Maryam Nawaz Sharif, several important projects have been completed to further improve the performance of Emergency Services and Rescue 1122 and expand the institution.
These projects include air ambulance service, extension of services to tehsil level, provision of all motorway rescue services, launch of dead body transfer service, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) internship program, Rescue Australia collaboration and provision of modern rescue equipment.
Provincial Health Minister and Chairman Cabinet Committee for Disaster Management Khawaja Salman Rafique said while addressing the distribution ceremony of flood fighting equipment to Rescue 1122 at PDMA Warehouse as the chief guest.
Speaking on the occasion, Khawaja Salman Rafique said that according to the vision of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the journey of serving the people is continuing. “Today is a sign that the Punjab government is investing in flood equipment to protect the public, which will play an important role in dealing with possible future flood threats. I am sure that Rescue 1122 has made excellent preparations this year as well and I am also hopeful that Rescue 1122 will prove to be a ray of hope for the people. These devices are not just equipment but a symbol of responsibility, which reminds us that we have to be ready for every season, every time and every challenge. Our advance preparation to effectively deal with the dangers of urban and riverine floods is the guarantee of protecting the lives and property of the public,” he said.
Khawaja Salman further said that we have not only prioritized measures like strengthening dams on the banks of rivers, opening drains and improving the drainage system, but also paid special attention to cleaning drains in urban areas, eliminating encroachments and installing backup power systems for drainage pumps in low-lying areas.
He said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif Punjab government has provided Rescue 1122 with the latest urban search and rescue equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE). Modern facilities including underwater rescue, modern motor boats, life jackets, scuba diving equipment, fast rescue rods, etc. have been provided, through which emergency services, effective response in floods, fires and other emergencies is being ensured, and timely assistance is being provided in urban and remote areas. “I salute Rescue 1122 and all its officers and personnel, who risked their lives to save the lives of others. You are the true heroes of the nation,” he said, adding: “We are bringing drones to save people’s lives. The flood rescue equipment includes boat carrying trucks, aluminium air boats, fibreglass boats, inflatable boats, outboard motors, landing crafts, jet skis, water rescue drones, remote control self-life buoys, surveillance drones, life jackets, digital base videos, digital base repeaters, digital man pack repeaters and other technical equipment.”
Secretary Emergency Services Department Dr. Rizwan Naseer, while addressing the ceremony, said that in the previous flood, timely decision-making led to timely evacuation of the victims. Timely evacuation made it possible to save precious lives.
DG PDMA Umar Javed while addressing the ceremony said that we are working as per the instructions of the Chief Minister of Punjab. This time, we have prepared more than last time-Mapping and recording of people living around the river, he said.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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