LAHORE: Punjab government on Saturday provided flood-fighting equipment worth millions to Rescue 1122.

Provincial Health Minister and Cabinet Committee for Disaster Management Chairman Khawaja Salman Rafique attended the distribution ceremony of flood fighting equipment 2026 to Rescue 1122 at the PDMA Warehouse as the chief guest. Punjab Emergency Services Department Secretary Dr Rizwan Naseer and PDMA DG Umar Javed and other officials were present on the occasion.

Mr Rafique said that the journey of serving people was continuing and the government had been investing in flood equipment to protect the public, which would play an important role in dealing with possible future flood threats. “I am sure that Rescue 1122 has made excellent preparations this year as well and will prove to be a ray of hope for the people.”

He said that these devices were not just equipment but a symbol of responsibility and served as a reminder to be ready for every season, every time and every challenge. “Our advance preparation to effectively deal with the dangers of urban and riverine floods is the guarantee of protecting the lives and property of the public,” he said.

Mr Rafique further said the government had not only prioritised measures like strengthening dams on the banks of rivers, opening drains and improving the drainage system, but also paid special attention to cleaning drains in urban areas, eliminating encroachments and installing backup power systems for drainage pumps in low-lying areas.

He said that several important projects had been completed to further improve the performance of the Emergency Services and Rescue 1122 and expand the institution. These projects include air ambulance service, extension of services to the tehsil level, provision of all motorway rescue services, launch of dead body transfer service, emergency medical technician (EMT) internship programme, Rescue-Australia collaboration and provision of modern rescue equipment.

He said the government had provided Rescue 1122 with the latest urban search and rescue equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE). Modern facilities including underwater rescue, modern motor boats, life jackets, scuba diving equipment, fast rescue rods, etc. have been provided, through which emergency services, effective response in floods, fires and other emergencies is being ensured, and timely assistance is being provided in urban and remote areas. “I salute Rescue 1122 and all its officers and personnel, who risked their lives to save the lives of others. You are the true heroes of the nation.”

He said, “In the 2025 flood, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz herself monitored the entire situation. We remained active in the field for 25 consecutive days along with the senior minister. We are improving the walkie-talkie system. We are bringing drones to save people’s lives”.

The flood rescue equipment includes boat carrying trucks, aluminum airboats, fiberglass boats, inflatable boats, outboard motors, landing crafts, jet skis, water rescue drones, remote control self-life buoys, surveillance drones, life jackets, digital base videos, digital base repeaters, digital manpack repeaters and other technical equipment.

Dr Naseer said that in the previous flood, timely decision-making led to timely evacuation of the victims and saved precious lives. He said 2.6 million people and 2.1 million animals were moved to a safe place in time. More than 400,000 people were rescued by boats after the water came. Rescue 1122 was working day and night to provide world-class service to the public. “I request the public to take timely precautionary measures for the monsoon. Get your roofs inspected regularly and ensure repairs, he said.

DG PDMA Umar Javed said that they were more prepared than the last time. “We are building warehouses all over Punjab this time, there will be many places from where rescue work can be carried out in a better way. We are trying to reach the people at the right time,” he said.

Published in Dawn, July 5th, 2026