A high-level meeting was held here on Saturday under the chairmanship of Capital Development Authority (CDA) Chairman and Chief Commissioner Islamabad, who also serves as Director General Civil Defence, Muhammad Ali Randhawa, to review the country’s emergency preparedness in light of the prevailing national situation.
The meeting was attended by CDA Board members, Deputy Commissioner Islamabad, officials from the Ministry of Education, and Civil Defence officers from Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, Balochistan, Azad Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan, who joined via Zoom. Officials from provincial Home Departments were also present.
The Chairman CDA and Director General Civil Defence emphasized the need to strengthen inter-provincial coordination and communication and directed for the increased mobilization of volunteers in the current scenario.
Officials from all provinces, including Islamabad, AJK, and Gilgit-Baltistan, briefed the forum on their preparedness to handle any emergency situation. It was informed that control rooms have been established in Islamabad, provincial capitals, AJK, and Gilgit-Baltistan, and focal persons have been designated accordingly.
Briefings revealed that in light of the current circumstances, public and private hospitals have allocated emergency beds and wards. Ambulances and firefighting units across the country remain on 24/7 alert.
Volunteers across the nation have been mobilized, and efforts are underway to increase their numbers and enhance emergency response readiness. Volunteers have been trained in evacuation, fire response, and emergency handling, with additional training sessions ongoing.
Safe City control rooms, in coordination with district administration and police, are fully functional and monitoring the situation in real-time. Sirens have been installed at various key locations across the country, including Islamabad, to ensure timely public alerts in case of emergencies.
Mock drills have been conducted in high-rise buildings in Islamabad and other cities. Further drills have been instructed to continue. Emergency announcement systems in mosques are also ready for deployment.
Fire brigade vehicles, firefighters, and related personnel have been put on high alert for prompt response. Provinces have been directed to further expand the number of volunteers and ensure their active participation.
Lists of blood donors are being prepared across provinces. Emergency advisories have been issued to officials in all districts to stay prepared.
Muhammad Ali Randhawa stressed the need for effective coordination among control rooms, home departments, rescue services, and other agencies. He also emphasized implementing a comprehensive plan to counter misinformation and fake news, ensuring the public receives timely and verified updates.
The Chairman CDA further instructed that students from schools, colleges, and universities be trained in Civil Defence emergency preparedness exercises across the country. All relevant departments have been directed to submit daily progress reports.
Concluding the meeting, Chairman CDA and Director General Civil Defence reiterated their commitment: ‘Protection of citizens’ lives and property is our top priority. We are one team and will utilize all available resources to respond to and overcome any emergency situation.’