Rescue 1122 pays tribute to great fire fighters of Gakhar Plaza

RAWALPINDI, Dec 20 (APP): The Punjab Emergency Service (Rescue1122) Rawalpindi commemorated the great sacrifices of 13 heroes of the nation, who lost their lives during Gakhar Plaza Fire Fighting & Rescue operation on 20th December, 2008.
Of these 13 firefighters, 04 belonged to Rescue 1122 Rawalpindi, 06 to Pakistan Ordnance Factories Wah Cantt, 02 to Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority and 01 belong to the City District Fire Brigade Rawalpindi.
A dignified ceremony was held at the Martyrs’ Memorial to honor the brave rescuers who laid down their lives in the line of duty.
The ceremony was attended by Parliamentary Secretary Rescue 1122 Punjab Zia Ullah Shah, Director Rescue Rawalpindi Region Dr. Faisal Mahmood, Director General Emergency Services Islamabad Dr. Abdul Rehman, District Emergency Officer Rawalpindi Engineer Sibghat Ullah, along with rescue officers, rescuers, social and political figures, and officials from various government departments.
Participants paid tribute at the Martyrs’ Memorial by laying floral wreaths, presenting salutes, and offering special prayers for the elevation of the martyrs’ ranks.
The sacrifices of rescuers who embraced martyrdom in the Gakhar Plaza fire and other incidents were remembered with deep respect.
Speakers said that December 20 is observed as Rescue Martyrs’ Day in remembrance of December 20, 2008, when 13 firefighters were martyred while performing their duties during one of the country’s deadliest fire incidents.
Addressing the gathering, the speakers described Rescue martyrs as true national heroes who set unforgettable examples of courage, sacrifice, and devotion to duty while protecting lives and property.
They reaffirmed that Rescue 1122 will continue to uphold the mission of its martyrs by serving the public with professionalism and dedication.
The speakers also stressed the need to ensure safety arrangements in high-rise buildings and called for strict implementation of the Punjab Community Safety Building Regulations 2022 to prevent such tragedies in the future and safeguard human lives.