Secretary of the Emergency Services Department, Dr. Rizwan Naseer, reviewed the Rescue 1122 arrangements for providing emergency cover to Ashura mourning processions across the province.
He held a video meeting with all District Emergency Officers (DEOs) and senior rescue officers at the Emergency Services Headquarters. Dr. Rizwan checked the monitoring and quick response systems of district control rooms and the Emergency Operation Centre in Lahore.
He instructed all DEOs to cancel rescuers’ leaves and enforce Code Red on the 9th and 10th of Muharram for emergency coverage. The Disaster Response Force (DRF) at the Emergency Services Academy will be sent for backup in case of major emergencies.
Dr. Rizwan asked DEOs to review preparedness checklists, hold regular meetings with District Emergency Boards, ensure scout/volunteer training, and map all processions and events ahead of time.
The Provincial Monitoring Officer (PMO) briefed him on the rescuers’ duties. Over 12,000 rescuers will be deployed during Muharram to cover 1,029 processions/events at key points, including 1,352 motorbikes, 580 ambulances, 168 fire vehicles, and 35 rescue vehicles. Specialized rescue teams will be present at major procession venues.
Additionally, 285 ambulances, 832 motorbikes, and 48 rescue vehicles will be available at various stations. In Lahore, 381 rescuers will provide emergency cover with 34 ambulances and 148 motorbikes. Special teams will be stationed at key locations like Karbala Gamay Shah and Nissar Haveli, with more teams on standby for incidents. Mobile posts and ambulances with medical kits will follow the processions to offer immediate medical treatment to mourners.