Rescue officials in need of protection

Warnings of possible attacks on Rescue 1122 centres across the province.

FAISALABAD: Rescue 1122 centres across the province have received information by sensitive departments warning of a possible attack in the district.  Security has been heightened and emergency officials have been told to monitor their neighbouring vicinities closely over the next week.

According to rescue officials, they received a report by a sensitive department about possible attacks on 35 Rescue 1122 centres across the province and security has been heightened at all Rescue centres.

Faisalabad Faisalabad Rescue 1122 director general Dr Rizwan has ordered all centres to keep a vigilant eye on their surroundings and block all roads leading to the centres. “We are closely monitoring all entry and exit check posts and have erected barriers around the Rescue offices,” said Rescue 1122 official Mir Shaukat. Dr Rizwan said that the new security measures were interfering with rescue operations in several districts. “Although it is a necessary precaution, the barricades and security checks means that we are delayed when leaving the offices for a rescue mission in the district. The red-tape is hindering our rescue work but we have been told that it is imperative we tighten security over the coming weeks,” Dr Rizwan said. Rescue officials said that they have no firearms to protect themselves and have requested that the government provide a police contingent for their protection until the security threat is reduced.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 30^th, 2010.