Action plan finalized to strengthening fire emergency response:Dr. Arshad Zia

Lahore: The Director General, Punjab Emergency Service (Rescue 1122) Brig. (R) Dr. Arshad Zia chaired District Emergency Officers (DEOs) conference to finalize recommendations as way forward for strengthening fire emergency response. The representatives from divisional headquarters presented case studies of major incidents and experts from Karachi Port Fire Service, Fire Safety Association of Pakistan and Fire Brigade shared their experiences to formulate plan for Firefighting with reference to Modern Trends to strengthen fire Emergency Response.

The DEOs conference formally started with recitation from Holy Quran followed by welcome note by Head of Operations, Ayaz Aslam and opening remarks by Director General, Punjab Emergency Service (Rescue 1122) Brig. (R) Dr. Arshad Zia. He highlighted the importance of conference on Firefighting & Modern Trends by giving reference of recent major fire incidents occurred at Pearl Continental, Rawalpindi and Cloth Market, Sargodha. Furthermore, DG Rescue 1122 introduced Brig. (R) Amir Hamza, newly appointed Director General/ Principal, Emergency Services Academy, Lahore to all rescue officers. He said Brig. Amir Hamza is a valuable addition in Punjab Emergency Service as he possesses rich academic experience related emergency and disaster management.

Brig. (R) Amir Hamza, Director General/ Principal, Emergency Services Academy thanked to Brig. (R) Arshad Zia DG Rescue 1122 and his team for warm welcomed and reception on first day. He said it is an immense pleasure to join a galaxy of professionals who are serving for humanity, INSHALLAH together we will work to further strengthen emergency management system with collective wisdom. He also briefed about the vision of strengthening emergency service which includes quality series of trainings and standardize advance courses for rescue professionals. Furthermore, he also highlighted the importance of incorporating modern techniques to strengthen fire emergency response in Pakistan.

After opening remarks and introduction the house remained open to share their experiences and discussion with Saeed Jadoon, Chief Fire Officer Karachi Port Fire Service, Ghulam Muhamamd Naz Vice President Fire & Safety Association of Pakistan and experts from other fire services. Besides, sharing of lesson learnt by Dr. Abdul Rehman DEO Rawalpindi, Mazhar Shah, DEO Sargodha and Dr. Ahmed Raza DEO Lahore the fire incident occurred at Dubai in detail was reviewed and share by Dr. Zafar Shah Regional Emergency Officer. Consequently, recommendations for an effective fire emergency response have been chalked out after detailed brain storming and reviewing international practices of firefighting with modern equipment.

Speaking on the closing ceremony of the conference DG Rescue 1122 Brig Arshad Zia congratulated all officers for their commitment, enthusiasm, professional commitment and valued contribution. He further advised all DEOs to carry all out efforts in order to ensure the optimum operational standard for provision of quality emergency service to public at large.