Gilgit to get Rescue 1122 services

CM Mehdi Shah gives approval for setting up of emergency service in Gilgit city.

GILGIT: Chief Minister Gilgit-Baltistan Mehdi Shah has given approval for the setting up of emergency service Rescue 1122 in Gilgit city, said officials on Sunday.

“The service will be launched in Gilgit soon,” said a G-B government official.

Rescue 1122 is already operational in most major cities across Pakistan and Gilgit and Skardu are next in line to benefit from it. The city had been promised the service by Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani during election campaign for the G-B Legislative Assembly.

People of the region will have access to rescue and relief facilities after the launch of emergency service, said the official. Skardu will be the next city to get the service.

Rescue 1122 stations will have fire tenders, ambulances and healthcare facilities along with firefighters and trained police officials.

The service is badly needed in Gilgit, a city marred by sectarian skirmishes.

In addition, the service would also provide relief to travellers stranded due to landslides and subsequent road blockages.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 7^th, 2011.