International Day: Youth urged to volunteer for civil defence training

Rallies held to raise awareness about preparedness for natural disasters, emergencies

LAHORE: Rallies were organised across the province by district civil defence organisations to mark the International Civil Defence Day on Tuesday.

Rally participants carried banners and placards with messages urging the youth to participate in voluntary civil defence trainings so that they were equipped with skills to deal with any emergencies in their areas.

In his message on the occasion, Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif stressed the need for raising awareness about the importance of preparedness to deal with natural disasters and other emergencies. He said activities undertaken by the civil defence department were meant to enable citizens to take care of themselves in emergencies. He said the purpose of marking the day was also to pay tribute to civil defence workers. He said prevention of excessive losses and effective management of disasters was because of the diligent performance of these workers. “The civil defence department plays a crucial role in minimising loss of life and property during natural disasters,” he said. He stressed the need for raising awareness among the public about the importance of civil defence.

A walk was held to mark the day in Bahawalpur from Fareed Gate to Bahawal Victoria Hospital. Chief Warden Jaam Sohail Majeed led the walk.  In Rahim Yar Khan, the civil defence department held a rally from Railway Chowk to the GPO Chowk.

Speaking at the occasion, Assistant Commissioner Captain (r) Shahmir Iqbal said that increasing the number of civil defence volunteers and investment in their capacity building was a need of the hour.

The rally was also attended by officials from the Rescue 1122 and the tehsil municipal administration (TMA).

In Faisalabad, National Assembly Member Begum Khalida Mansoor and Civil Defence DO Mazhar Ahmad led a walk from the District Council Chowk to the Clock Tower Chowk.

Rally participants distributed pamphlets and brochures carrying information about civil defence among citizens along the route. Stalls were also set up at the Clock Tower Chowk where equipment used in emergency rescue and relief activities was displayed. Social Welfare DO Chaudhry Muhammad Ashraf and DDO Rana Abbas, Environment DDO Noman Yunus attended the walk.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 2^nd, 2016.