On the directions of Chief Minister Punjab Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Punjab Emergency Service Recue 1122 has started induction process for dedicated Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Units at divisional level. 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.
He said that induction process for recruiting USAR teams (each consisting of 50 members) for Lahore and Rawalpindi division has been started. 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 Chief Minister has given approval to establishment of Urban Search & Rescue Teams in all nine divisional headquarters of Punjab. The Lahore and Rawalpindi division are included in the first phase whereas in second phase, remaining divisions will be capacitated with 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. After Lahore and Rawalpindi division, USAR Teams 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 he believes that Rescue 1122 will perform with full professional commitment towards Safer Communities after having such dedicated teams with specialized trained units and modern equipment.