By Sami Ullah Malik
Pakistan is facing changing climatic conditions and frequent recurrence of unpredictable and extreme events. To meet these challenges, Governmental Agencies and the Civil sector are proactively working at reducing the vulnerability to disasters and providing coping mechanisms and framework for effective disaster management. The disaster management system in Pakistan has traveled a long way in the recent time with formulation of National Disaster Risk Reduction Policy and National Disaster Management Plan but still we must go very far by implementing these policies and plans in their true letter and spirit. We have also made considerable progress in mainstreaming disaster risk reduction in development processes, which will no doubt lead to greater national resilience against potential disasters. Our expedition for resilience is consistent and we need to make our utmost efforts to realize the ideals.
In the same context, Sindh Emergency Rescue Service 1122, Rehabilitation Department, Government of Sindh, Aga Khan Agency for Habitat (AKAH) and other stakeholders including Pakistan Red Crescent, Sindh Chapter (PRCS)Pakistanis Metropolitan Corporation (KMC), Sindh Boys Scouts, Cultural, tourism & Antiquities Department Government of Sindh and Muslims Hands jointly conducted simulation and organized an event to commemorate the sacrifices of thousands of Pakistani, who lost their lives on 8th October 2005, Earthquake. It was the first time that various organizations joined their efforts under the flag of Sindh Emergency Rescue Service 1122, Rehabilitation Department, Government of Sindh for a combined cause to provide a safe and disaster free environment to the people of Sindh.
The Simulation conducted on 7th October 2023, was based on Urban scenario, keeping in view the challenges likely to be encountered in the complex urban megalopolis environment of a city like Karachi in a post disaster scenario. The Simulation encompassed various responses like hasty and manual search techniques, rope management, technical search, first aid, basic fire rescue techniques. An endeavor was made to establish joint working mechanisms between governmental and humanitarian rescue agencies. An effort was made to bring standardization in practices and adopt good practices. The Simulation remained successful as the set objectives to increase cooperation and cohesion were achieved.
On 8th October 2023, an event was conducted at Headquarter Sindh Emergency Rescue Service 1122, Rehabilitation Department, Government of Sindh at Gulshan Iqbal, Karachi. The event was attended by respected dignitaries from Government, humanitarian, civil and academic sectors. Mr. Muhmmad Mubeen Jumani, Minister for Local Government, Housing, town planning and Rehabilitation Department, Government of Sindh graced the event as chief guest. Other dignitaries included Dr. Sara Salman, Head of Sindh Region, World Health Organization (WHO), Mr. Zafar Abass General Secretary, JDC, Mr. Kanwar Waseem Sahib, Provincial Secretary Pakistan Red Crescent – Sindh Provincial Headquarters, Brig (R) Tariq Lakher, CEO SIEHS, Mr. Pervez Ahmed Seehar Sahib, Secretary Rehabilitation, Government of Sindh, Dr Rizwan Karim, Director Board of governance, Aga Khan Agency for Habitat, Pakistan. The event was attended by participants from all walks of life.
Addressing the event, Dr. Abid Jalal Uddin Shaikh, Director Sindh Emergency Rescue Service 1122, Rehabilitation Department, Government of Sindh said that they were working as a first responder in natural disasters in all districts of Sindh. He said that Sindh Emergency Rescue Service 1122, Rehabilitation Department, Government of Sindh has the latest equipment of international standards with trained and professional personnel. Adding further, he said that Sindh Emergency Services have saved millions of precious lives in natural calamities such as floods, road accidents, water drowning, fire, and other incidents. Dr. Rizwan Karim, Director Board of governance, Aga Khan Agency for Habitat, Pakistan also added on improvement of anticipatory actions and more cooperation in disaster mitigation and need assessments.
Mr. Pervez Ahmed Seehar, Secretary Rehabilitation, Government of Sindh, highlighted the importance of joint working mechanism between various stakeholders for better response. Respected, Minister for Local Government, Housing, town planning and Rehabilitation Department, Government of Sindh Mr. Muhmmad Mubeen Jumani emphasized the expansion of current rescue services. He added that Sindh Emergency Rescue Service 1122, Rehabilitation Department, Government of Sindh is performing up to the task under current climatic challenges and increasing disaster profile. However, there is a need to strengthen and expand its various segments for effective disaster mitigation.
Toward the end, Shields, certificates, and awards were given to the best performers during the simulation. The event was different in its kind, as it successfully brought various organizations on a single platform in consonance with Rescue 1122, Sindh Emergency Services. Such events should be organized in future for awareness of communities and sustainable development against all types of disasters. National Resilience Day prompts us to embrace best practices and implement policies and strategies aimed at fortifying our nation’s resilience. Our policy initiatives should encompass various sectors, including the resilient and safe development of infrastructure, improved disaster preparedness, poverty alleviation, safer spatial land use planning, adherence to building codes, efficient water resource management, sound agricultural practices, and increased afforestation nationwide, including coastal areas. Given our vulnerabilities, all stakeholders should collaborate closely to reduce disaster risks, enhance preparedness, and establish swift response mechanisms through usage of the latest technological tools. It is of utmost importance that we prioritize the welfare of vulnerable segments of our society, including women, children, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities in all our endeavours.
The writer has done Ph.D in History and Political Science from Islamic International University Islamabad.
