The Scottish Parliamentarian Hanzala Malik visits Rescue 1122 headquarters Punjab

Lahore: The Scottish Parliamentarian Hanzala Malik visited Rescue 1122 headquarters Punjab on Monday 15^th February, 2016. The Director General Punjab Emergency Service (Rescue 1122) along with senior rescue officers warmly welcomed him and briefed him about the measures taken to enhance operational capacity of Emergency Service.

DG Rescue, Punjab apprised him that in line with the vision of the Chief Minister, Punjab, 9 dedicated Urban Search & Rescue (USAR) Teams have been approved by the Government of the Punjab, for which latest rescue equipment, recruitment of staff is currently under process which will greatly enhance the capacity of Rescue 1122 in the field of USAR.

He further briefed the Honorable Guest that for the welfare of the rescuers, the Service Rules have been submitted to the Home Department for approval which were the main concern of the rescuers due to lack of promotion and job security. Moreover, the case of admissible allowances for rescuers has also been submitted to the Home Department.

The problem of shortage of staff shall also be addressed shortly as the summary for recruitment of over 700 staff has been approved by the Government. The Director General further briefed the guest about recent major rescue operations like Sundar Industrial Estate, flood rescue operations managed by the Service in detail.

Hanzala Malik, MSP lauded the performance of Punjab Emergency Service and extended his sincere cooperation in the capacity building of Rescue 1122 by offering training of Rescue Personal’s especially in the emergency management for Orange Metro Line project. He also proposed the idea of launching of Motorcycle Medical Service in Lahore as Pilot Project to manage effective response time for which he also pledged to arrange motor bikes and emergency kits. He also committed that during his upcoming meeting with the Chief Minister, Punjab he will discuss the salary and service structure issues of Rescue 1122.

On this occasion Director General, Rescue 1122, Brig. (R) Dr. Arshad Zia thanked Hanzala Malik MSP for his continuous support and contribution in establishing Rescue 1122 on modern lines like developed countries. DG Rescue Punjab further thanked Mr. Malik for his sincere efforts made in past & hoped for the same in future, as more rescue officers shall be sent for foreign training in UK shortly for advance training on modern lines.