‘Govt taking measures to improve fire dept’

Sindh minister pays tribute to firefighters who respond to emergencies while risking their own safety

Rescuers try to extinguish fire that erupted after a van-bus collision near Narang Mand. PHOTO: EXPRESS

KARACHI:

Only 14 fire tenders out of a total of 44 are operational in Karachi, said Sindh Local Government Minister Nasir Hussain Shah on Thursday.

Addressing the 10th Fire Safety and Security Convention organised by the National Forum for Environment and Health and the Fire Association of Pakistan, Shah said that he was aware of the difficulties facing the fire department in the metropolis.

The provincial government is undertaking measures to repair faulty fire engines and overcome shortage of staff in the department, he said.

The minister further added that the Sindh government was also in the process of procuring more fire tenders and a snorkel for the city. According to Shah, the metropolis would also be getting fire tenders from the Centre.

He paid tribute to firefighters who respond to emergencies while risking their own safety and assured the FPAP that the Sindh government would ensure implementation of fire safety mechanisms in buildings.