TAXILA: The Punjab Emergency Service (Rescue 1122) commemorated the International Volunteers Day in Attock on Monday.

In this regard, an awareness walk was organised from Rescue 1122 station to Kutchery Chowk which was attended by officials of the district administration, Rescue 1122, community volunteers and students.

Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Commissioner Dr Hassan Waqar Cheema said: “It is an honour to meet an inspiring team of committed rescuers and Rescue 1122 volunteers.”

He described them as the unsung heroes and paid tributes to all volunteers and appreciated the contribution of Rescue 1122 and other organisations for developing safer communities. He said the establishment of Community Emergency Response teams at the union councils level was a revolutionary step of the government of Punjab.

“All professionals like doctors, teachers, lawyers, engineers and experts in different fields must volunteer their services as professionals to create a visible difference for developing healthy, safe and resilient communities in the country,” he added.

Dr Cheema also said each and every citizen, regardless of their position, situation and circumstances had something to offer to humanity and every individual had the capacity for working to alleviate human sufferings.

District emergency officer (DEO) Ali Hasnain said that the objective of observing the day was to pay tributes to individuals and organisations carrying out humanitarian activities voluntarily and selflessly. He said Rescue 1122 had established an integrated emergency services infrastructure essential for saving lives and provided people with the right to timely disaster response and care without discrimination.

In this regard, Rescue 1122 was establishing Community Emergency Response teams at the union council level across the province. He added Rescue 1122 evacuated a large number of flood-hit people trapped on rooftops of mud and cemented houses, trees, dykes and other areas this year.

Published in Dawn, December 6th, 2022