Punjab govt committed to upgrading emergency services: Minister

LAHORE, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 20th Feb, 2026) Punjab Minister for Health and Emergency Services Khawaja Salman Rafique has said that the Punjab government is committed to taking emergency services to the next level.

He expressed these views while presiding over a meeting to review the Chief Minister’s initiatives held at the Rescue Headquarters on Friday.

Secretary Emergency Services Dr. Rizwan Naseer briefed the meeting on the progress of the new airstrip in Bhakkar for an air ambulance service, expansion of rescue services in various towns, deceased care services, and provision of modern equipment for flood response. A briefing was also given on the safety survey report of high-rise buildings across Punjab.

On this occasion, the minister said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the best emergency facilities are being provided to the people.

He stated that construction of an airstrip has started in Bhakkar to facilitate the air ambulance service.

He added that during the holy month of Ramadan, rescuers remain engaged in serving the public day and night. Khawaja Salman Rafique said that the Fire Rescue Service has responded to more than 280,000 fire emergencies so far and saved potential losses exceeding Rs 768 billion.

The minister further said that work is progressing rapidly on 33 new rescue stations under construction, while a dead body transfer service will be made available in every tehsil across Punjab.

Secretary Emergency Services Punjab Dr. Rizwan Naseer informed the meeting that modern communication equipment, landing craft, jets, and boat carriers for Rescue 1122 have been advertised.