Upon directions of the Chief Minister of Punjab, Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif the Punjab Emergency Service Recue 1122 has started induction process for dedicated Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Units at divisional level. The Director General Rescue 1122 Brig (R) Dr. Arshad Zia said the Chief Minister Punjab visionary step to establish dedicated Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) teams would definitely enhance operational capacity of the Emergency Service Rescue 1122.
In this regard, induction process for recruiting USAR teams (each consisting of 50 members) for Division Lahore and Rawalpindi has been started by publishing recruitment advertisement in leading newspapers. The interested candidates can apply through National Testing Service and successful candidates would have golden opportunity to be a part of specialized team. Furthermore, the process to procure emergency vehicles, machinery and equipment for two USAR units has also been started for timely fulfilling the need of establishing specialized teams in both divisions.
The Director General said that the Chief Minister, Punjab Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has formally approved a summary for establishment of Urban Search & Rescue Teams in all nine divisional headquarters of Punjab. The Division Lahore and Rawalpindi are included in the first phase due to increased number of complex emergencies/ disasters whereas in second phase remaining divisions will be capacitated with dedicated Urban Search and Rescue Teams and Specialized Equipment. Furthermore, Rescue 1122 will complete this process with the support of Pakistan Army in terms of ensuing quality training to specialized teams as Pakistan Army and Capital Development Authority (CDA) possess requisite modern and sophisticated Urban Search & Rescue equipment as well as trained human resource. These USAR Teams after Division Lahore and Rawalpindi shall be established in Multan, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Sargodha, Bahawalpur, DG Khan and Sahiwal.
The Director General, Brig. (R) Dr. Arshad Zia further said that it is the need of our to have such specialized emergency equipment and special units specifically trained in management of complex emergencies, structure collapses and earthquakes etc and I believe Rescue 1122 will perform with full professional commitment towards Safer Communities after having such dedicated teams with specialized trained units and modern equipment.