Punjab to modernize Civil Defence with Rs500m equipment

Lahore – Under the vision of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif for a “Safe Punjab,” the Civil Defence Resilience Corps is being modernized in line with contemporary requirements to help establish a safer society and respond effectively to emergencies.

In this regard, Punjab Home Secretary Dr. Ahmed Javed Qazi visited the Civil Defence Headquarters where a smartly turned-out Civil Defence contingent presented him with a guard of honour. The Home Secretary inspected a display of modern equipment and also inaugurated a renovated block of the headquarters.

On the occasion, Director Civil Defence Tasneem Ali Khan and Zigham Nawaz briefed the Punjab Home Secretary on the capacity, modern equipment and rescue capabilities of Civil Defence.

The modern equipment displayed by Civil Defence included aerial-lift drones, IED bomb-disposal drones, bomb-disposal robots, anti-drone guns, electric sirens, bomb-disposal suits, bomb blankets, mine detectors, snake cameras, hook-and-line kits, mobile bomb-disposal bikes and advanced firefighting equipment.

Speaking on the occasion, Punjab Home Secretary Dr. Ahmed Javed Qazi said that the Civil Defence Resilience Corps is an important step toward a safe, capable and responsible Punjab. He said the Punjab government is taking practical measures to bring Civil Defence in line with the requirements of the modern era.

He said that modern equipment worth Rs500 million has been purchased to modernize Civil Defence. He added that the advanced aerial-lift drones are capable of rescuing people trapped in difficult-to-access areas and can carry loads of up to 200 kilograms.

Dr. Ahmed Javed Qazi said that Civil Defence is equally important during both peace and wartime and serves as the first line of response for district administrations during any emergency situation.

The Punjab Home Secretary said that the Chief Minister has increased the honorarium of Civil Defence volunteers in recognition of their services and performance. He urged citizens to join Civil Defence as volunteers according to their abilities.

According to him, more than 350,000 citizens have so far registered as Civil Defence volunteers.

The Home Secretary said that all Civil Defence volunteers are being provided with Basic Life Support (BLS) training so that they can provide timely assistance to save lives during natural disasters, accidents and medical emergencies.

He appealed to citizens to become part of Civil Defence by registering as volunteers through the online portal VCD.HOME.GOP.PK.