By Our Web Reporter
LAHORE MIRROR — The Secretary Emergency Services Department Dr. Rizwan Naseer reviewed arrangements of Rescue 1122 to provide emergency cover to mourning processions of Ashura in all Districts of Punjab. He also reviewed the monitoring and quick response mechanism of all district’s control rooms and Provincial Monitoring Cell.
He directed all DEOs to restrict the leaves of the rescuers and implement Code Red on the 9th & 10th of the Muharram to provide emergency cover. He asserted that the Disaster Response Force (DRF) stationed at Emergency Services Academy will be dispatched in case of any major emergency for backup support.
The Secretary ESD was chairing a video link meeting of all Districts Emergency Officers and senior rescue officers at Emergency Services Headquarters here on Wednesday. He directed all DEOs to review the checklist of preparedness & continuously hold meetings of District Emergency Boards with key focal persons of Shia Sect/ Majalis, ensures training of Imamia Scouts/ volunteers, and mapping all processions and mass gathering events well in time.
Earlier, Provincial Monitoring Officer (PMO) briefed the Secretary that rescuers in all districts are performing emergency duties as per emergency plans for Muharram-ul-Harram in accordance with the directions issued by the Government of Punjab. As per emergency plans, 6979 rescuers would be deployed during the 9th and 10th Muharram to provide rescue and medical cover to 1033 processions/events. All these rescuers would be deputed in three shifts at 1033 key points established across the Punjab. These key points include 1115 Motorbike Rescue Services, 560 emergency ambulances, 178 Fire vehicles, and 31 rescue vehicles that would be established throughout all districts of Punjab.
Likewise, 1033 specialized rescue teams would also be deputed at major processions venues to provide emergency cover during Muharram in all districts of Punjab. All districts have started the implementation of contingency plans for providing emergency cover to sensitive localities identified in the District Emergency Board meetings.
Secretary ESD Dr. Rizwan Naseer also took a briefing about the deployment plan of the Rescue Service for the Provincial Capital Lahore in which 362 rescuers will be positioned strategically to provide emergency cover with 32 ambulances and 86 motorbikes. Special rescue teams will be stationed at Karbala Gamay Shah, Imamia Colony, Nissar Haveli, and other sensitive places in Lahore. Furthermore, additional rescue teams shall also remain on stand-by position and could be called in case of any untoward incident.
According to the plan, all mobile posts and ambulances with medical kits will be moving along with the processions to provide immediate medical treatment to mourners. Furthermore, the leaves of the emergency staff shall be restricted during Ashura. Dr. Rizwan Naseer stated that in addition to Muharram’s duties, routine rescue operations will continue, and in case of any emergency, dial 1122 immediately.
