3,000 Rescue 1122 workers regularised

Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar has regularised over 3,000 employees of Rescue 1122 besides approving various pay and fringe benefits for trainee rescue workers to improve quality of emergency services across the province.

Presiding over the Punjab Emergency Council meeting on Monday, the chief minister approved 5-year increase in retirement age from 45 to 50 years and regularise 3,235 employees.

The meeting also approved a six-month extension for Dr Rizwan Naseer for the post of Rescue 1122 Director General.

The CM directed that appointment of a new DG should be ensured within this period.

Speaking on the occasion, Buzdar directed that availability of emergency exits in high-rise buildings and commercial plazas should be ensured. He ordered a report after a comprehensive inspection of such buildings adding that availability of hydrants should be ensured so that fire-brigade vehicles may not have to go far away for fetching water. “The installation of fire safety equipment should also be ensured.”

He also directed the early resolve of promotion matters of Rescue 1122 staff. “Prolonged delay has already occurred and there is no room for any further procrastination.”

Published in The Express Tribune, October 27^th, 2020.