Dangerous work

We need to pay more attention to BDS, give them equipment, training and support they need to perform their functions

When we read or hear of yet another bomb blast occurring, we do not turn a thought to those who act to try and prevent these explosions from taking place. There is little recognition for people like the four-member bomb disposal squad headed by Muhammad Aslam for the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, which is responsible for attempting to defuse bombs before they go off and kill multiple members of the public. Their task is a hazardous one. In the past, members of bomb disposal units have died in various places in the country. Things are not made easier by the fact that the Rawalpindi Civil Defence Department has only one safety suit, only nine members of staff trained to handle bombs and far too few equipment.

Given the scale of the terrorist problem in our country, one can only wonder at the lack of work done by the federal and provincial governments in investing in bomb disposal efforts and in the training of personnel engaged for this task. The role that personnel of bomb disposal squads play in saving lives is a crucial one. The gratitude that is shown to them is far too little, remuneration is not high at all and these persons have little standing in the eyes of the public given the lack of media attention and coverage their efforts usually receive. We can help prevent death in our country by revving up the quality and quantity of people engaged in the task of bomb disposal. What is needed is expert training, with persons brought in for this from overseas or our own bomb disposal people sent abroad. Things could be improved quite drastically if we recognise the importance of people like Mr Aslam. We need to pay more attention to giving them the equipment, the training and the support they need to perform their functions more efficiently and thereby make our cities and towns safer. At present, what bomb disposal squad personnel do goes almost unnoticed and unrecognised by most of us.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 30^th, 2014.

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