KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Saturday inaugurated a new highway rescue station in Gulshan-i-Maymar to expand the highway operations of Rescue 1122.

As many as 15 strategically located satellite stations along major highways and motorways have been established as part of the World Bank-supported Sindh Flood Emergency Rehabilitation Project (SFERP) to offer rapid emergency assistance to travellers and nearby communities.

The new stations are equipped with advanced ambulances, fire tenders, disaster management machinery and recovery vehicles. “This represents a substantial upgrade to Sindh’s emergency infrastructure, addressing a previously significant gap in government services in this regard,” said a press release issued by the CM House.

“Rescue 1122, launched in 2022, is transforming emergency response in Sindh,” the CM said and added that this expansion reflected his government’s commitment to building a safer and more resilient province.

Located on major highways, the stations are equipped with ambulances, fire tenders, disaster management machinery and vehicles

“The highway operations will not only serve travellers but also provide crucial back-up support to nearby districts,” he said.

The CM announced plans to further expand Rescue 1122’s reach to the district and tehsil levels, ensuring province-wide accessibility to emergency services.

Modelled on international best practices and staffed by professionals trained at recognised rescue academies, the free service is being offerred via a single, unified helpline: 1122.

The services included medical emergencies, firefighting, water rescue, urban search and rescue, and lifesaving training programmes, he said.

Mr Shah expressed gratitude to PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and the World Bank for their support, and praised the dedication of Rescue 1122 personnel.

He concluded by stating that this initiative represents a major step towards a safer Sindh and highlights the governments ongoing commitment to public safety and infrastructure development.

Rehabilitation Minister Makhdoom Mahboob Zaman said that since its inception, Rescue 1122 has responded to over 700,000 medical emergencies, 1,000 fire incidents, 60 building collapses, and 180 drowning rescues.

He emphasised the life-saving impact of the service and the enhanced efficiency the highway operations will bring.

Planning and Development Minister Nasir Shah announced that an initiative would also focus on modernising 10 government hospital emergency wards, rehabilitating 836 kilometres of roads, and restoring 375 water supply schemes in flood-affected areas.

Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab commented that despite the provincial government launching mega projects, particularly in Karachi, the critics of the government were in denial.

He also urged the CM to announce a drainage system for the area. In response, the Chief Minister stated: “I am ready to provide you with a drainage scheme for the area, but it must be comprehensive to meet the needs of the community,” he emphasised.

Later, talking to the media regarding the issues of Board of Intermediate Education Karachi (BIEK), the CM said: “We are working to improve the performance of educational boards by introducing modern examination models and appointing highly qualified professionals,” he said.

In response to another question, CM Shah explained that only the barren land would

be utilised for corporate farming initiative. “We are also rolling out a scheme to bring uncultivated or barren land under cultivation,” he added.

Published in Dawn, January 5th, 2025