Rs500m to be spent on civil defence upgrade

Emergency response overhaul includes high-tech gear, volunteer drive

LAHORE:

In an effort to enhance emergency preparedness, the Punjab government has approved a Rs500 million modernisation package for the Civil Defence Department, signalling a strategic shift in the province's public safety framework.

The decision was finalised during the 27th meeting of the Standing Committee of Cabinet on Law & Order, aligning with broader efforts to reinforce the province's crisis response capabilities amid heightened regional tensions.

According to official documents issued by the Finance Department on May 10, a technical supplementary grant will be issued from the Internal Security Fund.

Of the total allocation, Rs460 million has been designated for operational equipment—such as mine detectors, snake cameras, bomb blankets, electric sirens, and advanced fire extinguisher sets—while Rs40 million will support IT infrastructure upgrades.

Punjab Home Secretary Noorul Amin Mengal has launched an ambitious volunteer recruitment campaign, with the goal of registering one million Civil Defence volunteers across the province. The dual strategy—upgrading equipment and expanding human resources—is aimed at building a comprehensive emergency management network capable of responding swiftly and effectively to a wide range of threats.