CM approves risk allowance for rescuers

Directs finance department to take steps in this regard

LAHORE:

Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar on Friday in principle approved Punjab Emergency Service Employees Regulation, 2022 and directed the cabinet standing committee for legislation to review its draft.

The CM gave the approval while chairing the 7th meeting of the Punjab Emergency Council at his office. He also approved giving a risk allowance, equal to one basic pay, to rescuers and directed the finance department to take steps in this regard.

The CM disclosed that the motorcycle rescue service would be launched across Punjab by July as its scope was being expanded to 27 districts.

“The past government spurned this important institution and the Punjab Emergency Council meeting was not called for eight long years; he lamented and pointed out that the incumbent government has modernised the rescue 1122 service to help the people in need,” he said.

After 2015, new 258 ambulances have been provided to rescue 1122; he stated and expressed the satisfaction that air ambulance service was also being introduced. PES Director General Dr Rizwan Naseer thanked the CM for extending the necessary cooperation.

Law Minister Basharat Raja, MPAs Musarat Cheema, Khadija Umer, chief secretary, IG police, ACS (Home), administrative secretaries and others attended the meeting.

Earlier in a statement issued of Friday, the CM said the opposition was making futile efforts for a no-confidence move as the government has a visible majority in the number game.

The CM asserted that the no-confidence move would not succeed even if all the opposition parties are united.

Regrettably, the opposition has negated the national interests; he maintained and reiterated that the government would complete its constitutional term.

Buzdar has strongly condemned the blast in a mosque of Kucha Risaldar area of Peshawar and expressed a deep sense of sorrow over the loss of precious human lives.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 5^th, 2022.