Emergency Services: 8,500 rescuers on alert

The Punjab Emergency Services has cancelled the leaves of all its staff.

LAHORE: The Punjab Emergency Services (PES) has cancelled the leaves of all its staff and put 8,500 rescuers on high alert for the Eid holidays. PES Director General Dr Rizwan Naseer has instructed district officers to station ambulances and rescue and fire-fighting vehicles at all major mosques and Eidgahs during Eid prayers, a Rescue 1122 spokesman said. District emergency officers have also been directed to coordinate closely with the police, mosque committees and volunteers, while hospitals have been told to be prepared for emergencies.  In Lahore, 24 ambulances, 14 fire-fighting vehicles, four rescue vehicles, a water-rescue vehicle and a disaster rescue team will also be on alert for the holidays.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 16^th, 2013.