LAHORE: The Punjab government has launched multiple projects for the expansion and improvement of emergency services across the province.

This was stated by Provincial Minister for Health and Emergency Services Khwaja Salman Rafique while heading a meeting at the Punjab Emergency Services Headquarters here on Tuesday.

On the occasion, Emergency Services Secretary Dr Rizwan Naseer briefed on the progress of a new air strip for air ambulances in Bhakkar, expansion of rescue services in various towns, mortuary service and modern equipment regarding flood response.

The minister said that all arrangements for the start of mortuary service had reached near completion, and the construction of the air ambulance service strip in Bhakkar was underway. Similarly, he said that work was also underway on 33 new rescue stations under construction.

He said that the best emergency facilities were being provided to the people. During the holy month of Ramazan, the rescuers were busy serving the people day and night, he added.

The meeting was informed that the Fire Rescue Service has so far responded to more than 280,000 fire emergencies and saved potential losses of more than Rs768 billion. After completion of the projects, the dead body transfer service would be available in every tehsil across Punjab.

Dr Naseer said that modern communication equipment, landing craft, jets and boat carriers for Rescue 1122 had been advertised.

Published in Dawn, March 4th, 2026