Pakistan wins international rescue challenge

LAHORE:

Pakistan Rescue Team claimed victory at the International Rescue Challenge 2024, with the Philippine team securing second place.

The event, held at the Emergency Services Academy in Lahore, saw top rescue teams from countries including China, the UK, South Korea, Malaysia, and others compete in height rescue, deep well rescue, confined space extrication, trauma, and fire fitness challenges.

The awards ceremony featured prominent officials, including Speaker of the Punjab Assembly Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan, Minister for Emergency Services Khawaja Salman Rafique, and US Consul General Kristin K. Hawkins.

Malik Ahmad Khan praised the winning team, recognizing their dedication to humanitarian service, and commended Rescue 1122 for their critical work across Punjab.

Khawaja Salman Rafique highlighted that Pakistan Rescue Team is now the first UN-INSARAG certified rescue team in South Asia. He also announced the Asia Pacific Earthquake Response Exercise, set to begin today, with 274 delegates from 23 countries participating.

UN-INSARAG Global Lead Winston Chang commended the teamwork and collaboration exhibited during the event, while Dr Rizwan Naseer, Secretary of Emergency Services, reflected on the progress of Rescue 1122, which has saved 15.9 million lives and trained over 26,500 personnel.

US Consul General Hawkins acknowledged USAID's role in enhancing Pakistan's disaster preparedness, reaffirming the United States' commitment to building regional resilience.

The International Rescue Challenge concluded on Tuesday, with the earthquake response exercise kicking off Wednesday.