Drill tests Islamabad airport's emergency readiness

RAWALPINDI:

An emergency response exercise was conducted at Islamabad International Airport to assess preparedness, coordination, and operational readiness of all relevant institutions in case of an emergency.

According to a statement, the mock exercise simulated a potential crash of an A320 aircraft, featuring live demonstrations of firefighting and rescue operations.

The Rescue and Firefighting Services section of the Pakistan Airports Authority successfully controlled the fire within the designated time, completing rescue and medical evacuation procedures.

An MI-17 helicopter from Army Aviation also participated, airlifting mock casualties to nearby hospitals. The exercise demonstrated strong coordination between military and civilian institutions. Teams from Rescue 1122 and other departments also took part.

The exercise was supervised by Chief Operating Officer and Airport Manager Syed Aftab Ali Shah Gilani, while Chief Fire and Rescue Officer Muhammad Tariq served as exercise coordinator.

Chief Guest, Vice Chancellor of Rawalpindi Medical University, Professor Dr Muhammad Umar, appreciated the participants' professionalism, teamwork, and dedication, saying that joint exercises strengthen national capacity to respond swiftly and effectively to aviation emergencies.

Observers and umpires from the Civil Aviation Authority, aviation industry, and rescue departments also attended and praised the discipline, coordination, and realism shown during the exercise.

Airport Manager Aftab Gilani said that the Pakistan Airports Authority remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of aviation safety, operational resilience, and passenger protection across the country. He added that all flights and airport operations continued uninterrupted during the exercise.