Official neglect: Govt fails to prioritise civil defence in K-P

Frontline disaster response force remains ignored in a region marred by militancy.

PESHAWAR:

As countries across the globe commemorate World Civil Defence Day on March 1 (today), the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government continues to turn a blind eye to one of the most significant state mechanism in the province.

Civil defence is a frontline response and rescue service that deals with combat scenarios or natural disasters. Modern times have redefined the role of the government department and K-P is a region in need of a well-trained, quick reaction force that helps in emergency evacuation, contingency planning and crisis management. However, the government has left much to be desired in providing the crucial service.

While talking to The Express Tribune, Civil Defence Peshawar Chief Warden and former district nazim Azam Afridi said the department has remained out of action for a long time in K-P, with the government least interested in reinvigorating the force.

“Civil defence services are crucial to a province like K-P,” he said, adding the department does not serve as an immediate response force, rather coordinates with different government organisations to deal with an emergency.

Afridi said the government has restricted its attention towards the Provincial Disaster Management Authority and Rescue 1122—whose volunteers have themselves been trained by civil defence officials.

The chief warden said the force needs funding and support from all sections of the society and the K-P government should establish a wage structure for its volunteers.

Deemed unimportant

A civil defence department official requesting anonymity told The Express Tribune, civil defence is the most important response mechanism devised by the state to deal with an untoward situation.

He blamed the provincial government for putting the department on the backburner and refused to elaborate further, citing the home department’s directives of keeping mum.

Civil defence offices were established in 16 districts across the province and seven Frontier Regions. According to information provided by the official, more than 3,000 volunteers are enlisted with the department.

“The government has not paid a single penny, let alone certificates of appreciation to the volunteers,” he lamented, adding affluent sections of the society are least bothered about this collective responsibility.

Deputy Chief Warden Shabbir Muhammad said a conference on World Civil Defence Day will be held at a local hotel, aiming to bring to light the role of the department in times of war and natural disasters. Deputy Chief Warden Women’s Wing Farah Aqil Shah, Civil Defence Director Sharifullah and the Municipal Corporation Peshawar administrator will also participate in the programme, he added.

Shabbir Muhammad said the international day marks the enactment of the Constitution of the International Civil Defence Organisation in 1972.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 1^st, 2015.