ISLAMABAD: Four new rescue and fire stations are set to be built at various locations in Islamabad to improve emergency coverage, while China is all set to gift 21 new fire tenders to the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to enhance its firefighting capacity.
The four new Rescue 1122 centres will be established in sectors G-11, I-14, I-9 and Model Town Humak. “We have already floated tenders for the construction of four centres and bids will be opened next week,” said a CDA engineer.
Besides fire tenders, ambulances will also be deployed at the centres to deal with emergencies. The project for these stations was initially announced in 2008, but no practical steps were taken to start construction work except the earmarking of plots by the planning wing of the CDA.
“These centres are needed for the city and once they are established, they will be very helpful in dealing with emergencies. Our response time will see significant improvement. Currently, we face issues in reaching these areas on time,” said Director General Capital Emergency Services Dr Abdur Rahman.
Dr Rahman also confirmed that 21 new fire tenders, including a snorkel with an 88-metre reach, would be gifted by China. “During the second week of August, the tenders will be loaded onto a ship from China. They will first reach Karachi port,” he said.
It is relevant to note that currently the CDA has 22 fire tenders and four snorkels. These snorkels can reach only up to 68 metres, meaning the authority is unable to handle emergencies on the top floors of high-rise buildings.
“After receiving the snorkel with an 88-metre reach from China, we will be able to handle emergencies in all high-rise buildings comfortably,” said a CDA firefighter. He said more than 100 posts of firefighters were also lying vacant, which should be filled.
The firefighter said the CDA board had directed the concerned wings last year to fill all vacant positions, train emergency staff and provide modern equipment. “In light of the board’s decision, new recruitment should be made,” he said.
Sources said the CDA board had also decided last year to launch an emergency motorbike service comprising around 50 motorcycles, but no further steps were taken in this regard.
In August last year, the CDA had also issued a press release stating that the emergency motorbike service would be launched.
“Yes, there was a plan to launch a motorbike emergency service as well. Initially, we were planning to procure 125cc motorcycles, but later it was decided that bikes with 200cc and above engines should be procured for speedy response. Since such bikes are to be imported, the project could not move forward so far,” a CDA officer said, adding that the authority would launch the service sooner or later.
It is relevant to note that the fire brigade and emergency service was started by the CDA, but after the formation of the Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad (MCI) in 2016, the administrative control of the directorate was placed under the MCI. Later, a few years ago, the administrative control was transferred back to the CDA.
Published in Dawn, August 1st, 2026
