Rescue 1122 and CM’s Chief Social Mobilizer signs MoU

Lahore: A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Punjab Emergency Service (Rescue 1122) and Chief Minister’s Chief Social Mobilizer MNA Shaista Pervaiz Malik in presence of Governor of the Punjab Ch. Mohammad Sarwar, Rescue Punjab Dr. Rizwan Naseer and project coordinators Syed Masood Ibrahim and Rana Ishtiaq, at Governor House on Saturday.

This MoU aimed at motivating the youth for their active participation on volunteer basis in projects related to development of safer communities in Pakistan.

According to the MoU, the Punjab Emergency Service and official coordinators of NA-123 jointly wished to develop Community Emergency Response Teams (comprising of college students and social workers) in all union councils of the constituency NA-123 on pilot basis.

Based upon the success of this pilot project, it may be replicated in other communities of the province. They also agreed that Rescue 1122 shall organize orientation sessions and training courses for capacity building of Community Emergency Response Teams (CERTs) in Emergency Management, whereas the official coordinators shall provide logistic support for all the trainings and Emergency Management equipment to the CERTs.

A comprehensive database of volunteers’ record for networking and continuous communication shall also be developed and maintained by Coordinators of NA-123. According to the MoU, both organizations shall closely coordinate for follow up and sustainability of the Community Response Teams and their working for development of safer communities. CERT members shall be certified by Punjab Emergency Service upon completion of successful training and shall also work in accordance with the training guidelines.

While speaking on this occasion, Governor Punjab Ch Muhammad Sarwar said that the Punjab Emergency Service (Rescue 1122) is providing emergency ambulance, rescue, fire and community safety services in all 36 districts of Punjab and is also delivering technical assistance to other provinces.

Rescue 1122 has rescued millions of victims of emergencies while maintaining an average response time of 7 minutes and uniform standards in all districts. He said such MoUs depict keen interest of responsible citizens like Syed Masood Ibrahim and Rana Ishtiaq and contribution & efforts of MNA Shaista Pervaiz Malik for establishment of safer communities in Punjab is praise worthy. He, however, said that when Rescue 1122 can achieve all standards of performance and excellence then why other departments were not following in the footstep of Rescue 1122.

Governor Punjab further said that his Sindhi countrymen often asked him to replicate this emergency service in Sindh and he replied that just produce one Dr. Rizwan Naseer in Sindh and he shall replicate this Service in Sindh too. He said as Rescue 1122 provides emergency services to all victims without any discrimination, justice should also be provided to victims in same lines. He also directed the Community Safety Wing of Rescue 1122 to fully support the concerned persons for a noble case.

MNA Shaista Pervaiz Malik said that such projects enable youth to participate in developmental projects for their own safety of their neighbors. She believed such steps also produce more responsible citizens, who work for safer communities. She further said that she was delighted on taking such positive initiative, the ultimate purpose of which is to take preventive measures and create awareness among youth about life safety. She expressed for her all support and also prayed for its success in years to come, whereas coordinators said that the establishment of Rescue 1122 was a remarkable step initiated by Dr. Rizwan Naseer and the nation was proud of him.

DG Rescue Punjab Dr. Rizwan Naseer said that establishment of Rescue 1122 particularly the establishment of modern Fire Service could not be ensured without support of Governor Punjab Ch. Muhammad Sarwar. He said that inorder to ensure community preparedness and development of socially responsible, healthy, resilient and safer communities, establishment of Community Emergency Response Teams is underway in accordance with section 5 of the Punjab Emergency Service Act, 2006. He said that Rescue 1122 in collaboration with CERTs is working hard for establishment of safer communities in Pakistan.

He, however, lauded the services of Mr. Syed Masood and Rana Ishtiaq for taking such positive and productive steps for safety of the citizens of their constituency.