Provincial Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Jahangir Khanzada has said that registration of 10,000 volunteers proves that Rescue 1122 is not merely an emergency service it’s a mission which has spread all over the Punjab. Training of 30,000 volunteers for rapid action during mishaps and rescue the precious lives in the short period of one year is a great achievement of Punjab Emergency Services Academy.
He expressed these views while addressing a ceremony on International Volunteers Day celebrated by Punjab Emergency Service Rescue 1122 in collaboration with United Nations Volunteer (UNV) and Voluntary Services Overseas (VSO). Minister said that establishment of Community Emergency Response teams on union councils level is a revolutionary step of Government of Punjab. He further said that I would must appreciate all volunteers, voluntary organizations and all those officers of Rescue 1122 Headquarters and Districts who are striving hard for developing Safer Communities, who imparts trainings to volunteers and who conducted special events like Skill Competition and International Volunteers Day.
MNA Shaista Pervaiz Malik and DG Rescue 1122 Dr. Rizwan Naseer and DG Volunteer Services Overseas (VOS) Hashim Bilal were also present on the occasion. MNA Shaista Perviz Malik Chief Social Mobilizer Chief Minister Punjab paid tribute to all volunteers and appreciated the contribution of Rescue 1122 and voluntary organizations for developing safer communities in the country. She congratulated upon registration of 100,000 and training of 30,000 Rescue Mohafiz in one year. During his address DG Rescue 1122 said that last year, in the light of the vision of Chief Minister Punjab, Rescue 1122 launched Rescue Mohafiz Program on International Volunteers Day 5th December, 2016 to established Community Emergency Response Teams (CERTs) at Union Council level to enhance emergency preparedness, response and prevention for a healthy, safe resilient and prosperous communities all over the Punjab. He further said that Rescue Mohafiz program which was started last year on 5th December, 2016 to mobilize the power of humanity to establish Community Emergency Response Teams comprising of Rescue Mohafiz (Volunteers) in every Union Council of Punjab for emergency preparedness, response and prevention so that we can establish sustainable, healthy, safe and resilient communities in Punjab. He further said it is matter of pride form me that Rescue 1122 has registered 100,000 and trained 30,000 Rescue Mohafiz during the year 2017. Furthermore, volunteers from all over the Punjab have been given opportunity to exhibit their emergency response skills in first Provincial Community Emergency Response Exercise-2017. Today the best three teams from the Punjab including Chiniot with first prize, Layyah with second and Lahore with third prize are being awarded with cash prize and all volunteer who participated in exercise are being presented with certificates.
Speaking on the occasion the Country Director Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO) Mr. Hashim Bilal appreciated Rescue 1122 efforts for promoting volunteerism. He ensured support to Rescue 1122 in term of providing 1600 Youth Facilitators (Volunteers) VSO to club with Rescue Mohafiz and work for resilient communities in Pakistan. He also said that VSO shall provide training to rescue officers and Rescue Mohafiz /CERT leaders to further planning of utilization of volunteers.
Mr. Jahangir Khanzada distributed the Gifts and Certificates among position holders and appreciated the services of Rescuers and unique initiative to engage Community as Rescue Mohafiz / CERTs and putting coordinated efforts to achieve Sustainable Development Goals SDGs. He also appreciated New Year vision for the safer Punjab and congratulated all implementers working at grass root level. He congratulated the best teams of the year for outstanding performance in First Provincial Community Emergency Response Exercise – 2017.