Govt greenlights Civil Defence upgradation

Doubles the number of salaried employees

RAWALPINDI:

The government has greenlit a significant upgrade for the Rawalpindi Civil Defence Department, expanding its reach to the tehsil level and doubling its salaried employees from 100 to 200.

This decision comes in the wake of Operation Azm-e-Istehkam, Pakistan's latest offensive against terrorism.

The monthly salary of all Civil Defence volunteers will increase from Rs31,900 to Rs37,000. Currently, only 100 volunteers receive a salary, while a larger group of 450 volunteers work tirelessly during emergencies such as floods, earthquakes, and building collapses without any compensation.

Punjab Civil Defence Director Barak Ullah Khan, during his visit to Rawalpindi, emphasised the need to upgrade and expand the Civil Defence Departments in Rawalpindi. He mandated that all factories and shops dealing with cardboard, plastic, paper, chemicals, and acids upgrade their fire extinguishing systems.

Upon his arrival at the Rawalpindi office of the Civil Defence Department, Director Punjab Civil Defence Barak Ullah Khan was accorded a guard of honour. He was warmly received by Assistant Director Sanjeeda Khanum and District Officer Civil Defence Talib Hussain, who presented him with flowers. After the ceremonial welcome, the director was briefed on the performance of Civil Defence Rawalpindi.

Director Barak Ullah Khan also visited the Civil Defence Control Room and Bomb Disposal Squad Room, where he received a detailed briefing on bomb disposal operations. He subsequently approved the recruitment to fill vacant positions in the bomb disposal squad.

He approved additional positions for salaried employees and the establishment of a dedicated police station.

During his visit, the Director met with commissioner Rawalpindi Aamir Khattak, Deputy Commissioner Hasan Waqar Cheema, and the President of the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber President requested the Director's assistance in installing fire extinguishers in all business areas and factories, a request which the Director accepted.

The director's itinerary also included a visit to the Institute of Cardiology in Rawalpindi, where he received a comprehensive briefing on fire safety and extinguisher systems.