KARACHI, Dec 12 (APP):The fourth meeting of the Sindh Emergency Council was held at the PDMA headquarters under the chairmanship of Sindh Chief Minister’s Advisor on Rehabilitation, Gyanchand Essrani, where a detailed briefing was given on the performance of Rescue 1122, emergency response standards, expansion of services, ongoing operations, key challenges and resource requirements.
The council appreciated the overall performance of Rescue 1122 and termed the service a “lifeline” for the people of Sindh.
Secretary Rehabilitation Nisar Ahmed Memon, Director General PDMA Syed Salman Shah, Director General Rescue 1122 Sindh Brig. (R) Wajid Sabghatullah Mahar, Chief Operating Officer Rescue 1122 Dr Abid Jalaluddin Shaikh, and senior officials from relevant departments attended the meeting.
The council formally approved the establishment of the Rescue Academy Sindh, describing it as a major milestone in the province’s emergency management framework.
Officials briefed the meeting that the academy will offer international-standard training programmes in firefighting, search and rescue, medical emergencies, disaster management, and other technical courses.
The meeting also approved group insurance for Rescue 1122 personnel. Additionally, approval was granted for initiating an MoU between Rescue 1122 Sindh and Malir Industrial Park for the allocation of 2.5 acres of land to set up a modern emergency response centre that will cater to industrial zones, residential areas, and key transport corridors.
The council further approved the opening of a separate account for Rescue 1122 Sindh to enable the receipt of donations, including land and financial contributions, with the Finance Department tasked to facilitate the process. Another key decision approved the introduction of a mandatory Fire and Life Safety NOC prior to the construction of any building or facility, which the council termed essential for ensuring safe infrastructure across the province.
Speaking at the meeting, Advisor to the CM Gyanchand Essrani said Rescue 1122 serves as the “nerve centre” of emergency services in Sindh. Strengthening the organisation through modern training, upgraded equipment, advanced technology, improved command structures and enhanced welfare measures remains a top priority of the government, he noted. “Rescue personnel risk their lives to save others; ensuring their welfare, protection and insurance is the state’s responsibility,” he added.
Essrani said the decisions taken today would significantly improve the emergency response system and public safety across Sindh.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to transforming Rescue 1122 into a world-class emergency service through improved funding, institutional reforms, and the phased transfer of fire services under the Sindh Emergency Rescue Service Act.
