Civil defence drones, robots acquired

LAHORE:

The Punjab government has spent Rs500 million on modernising the Civil Defence Resilience Corps, equipping it with advanced technology to improve its ability to respond to emergencies, natural disasters and security threats.

Home Secretary Dr Ahmed Javed Qazi announced this during his visit to the Civil Defence Headquarters, where he inspected a display of newly-acquired equipment and reviewed the department's preparedness.

Civil Defence Director Tasneem Ali Khan briefed him on the department's operations and equipment.

The new equipment includes airlift and improvised explosive device disposal drones, bomb disposal robots, bikes and suits, anti-drone guns, electric sirens, bomb blankets, mine detectors, snake cameras, hook-and-line kits and firefighting tools.

Dr Qazi said the airlift drones could be used to rescue people trapped in difficult-to-reach locations during emergencies. One drone has the capacity to carry up to 200 kilogrammes.

He said the government was transforming the Civil Defence Resilience Corps in line with modern requirements.

The home secretary said the importance of civil defence remained the same during peace and war as the first line of response for district administrations during emergencies.

He said the Punjab chief minister had also increased the honorarium for civil defence volunteers in recognition of their performance.

He urged citizens to join the civil defence as volunteers according to their abilities.