Punjab adds 39 new fire vehicles to Rescue 1122 Service

LAHORE – Punjab Minister for Information and Culture Azma Bokhari said that Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz has taken effective measures to bring Rescue Services in line with modern requirements. As part of these efforts, 39 new fire vehicles have been provided to 39 tehsils across Punjab.

Azma Bokhari said the total cost of the project to provide Fire Rescue Services in 39 tehsils is Rs. 1.884 billion. Under the project, a total of 429 personnel will be deployed, including 273 firefighters and 156 drivers.

She said 78 breathing apparatus sets, 273 protective suits and communication equipment would also be provided to Fire Rescue personnel. The objective of the project is to ensure timely emergency response and effective firefighting facilities at the tehsil level in the event of fires.

The Information Minister said approval has already been granted for the expansion of Fire Rescue Services to all tehsils of Punjab. An allocation of Rs. 1.88 billion has been made for the project under the current Annual Development Programme, and it will be completed by June 2027.

Azma Bokhari said Fire and Rescue Services are fully operational across Punjab, with Fire Rescue Services established in all districts. So far, Rescue Punjab has responded promptly to more than 297,338 fire incidents and, through modern and professional firefighting, helped avert potential losses of over Rs. 794 billion.

She said Rescue Punjab has emerged among the world’s leading emergency services, while Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has allocated the largest-ever amount in Punjab’s history for Rescue Services, which is being utilized for their improvement and modernization.

The Information Minister said a project to install 975 fire hydrants in commercial markets across Punjab is also underway, while surveys of 2,449 high-rise buildings have been completed to assess their fire safety arrangements.

Azma Bokhari said Life Saver and basic firefighting training has been conducted at all DHQ and THQ hospitals across Punjab, while mock exercises have also been held at hospitals to prepare for emergency situations.

She further said more than 5,000 Community Emergency Response Teams have been established across Punjab. On the directions of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, a comprehensive action plan for preventing fire incidents in hospitals has also been prepared and its implementation is underway.

Azma Bokhari said the total budget of the Punjab Emergency Services Department for the financial year 2025-26 was Rs. 21.625 billion, while the revised budget stands at Rs. 22.513 billion.