ISLAMABAD (TNS) The recent devastating floods have once again highlighted who Pakistanis turn to first in times of natural disasters: Rescue 1122. Brave personnel risk their own lives, navigating floodwaters with boats and rafts to evacuate thousands to safety, while providing critical first aid. Similarly, the Earthquake Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Authority (ERRA) continues its vital work in the rehabilitation and reconstruction of affected areas. Together, these institutions have become symbols of hope and protection for the nation.
The origins of this life-saving initiative are rooted in vision and determination. When the proposal for a modern emergency service was presented to the cabinet in the early 2000s, the Prime Minister and most ministers opposed it, citing insufficient funds. Only the then Minister of State for Health supported it. It was the backing of President Pervez Musharraf and his Principal Secretary, Tariq Aziz, that turned this vision into reality. Declared a “gift to the people of Pakistan” by the President, the initiative was launched in Punjab in 2004. Sadly, the plan to expand it nationwide never fully materialized, leaving large segments of the country without the same level of emergency response.
Today, both Rescue 1122 and ERRA continue to face significant challenges: chronic underfunding, bureaucratic hurdles, and a lack of political prioritisation. Vehicles remain out of service, essential equipment is outdated, and staff operate under severe resource constraints. Yet, they persist, saving lives against the odds. If these institutions are not provided with adequate support and national-level expansion, their extraordinary work risks remaining regional and incomplete.
Policy Recommendations:
1. Nationwide Expansion – Rescue 1122 must be extended to all provinces and districts without delay.
2. Dedicated and Sustainable Funding – Separate and consistent budgets should be allocated at federal and provincial levels.
3. Modern Training and Equipment – World-class training academies and up-to-date emergency response tools must be provided.
4. Transparency and Accountability – Effective auditing and oversight mechanisms must be implemented to ensure funds are used efficiently.
5. Recognition and Support for Staff – Emergency personnel should be acknowledged as national heroes, with comprehensive insurance and incentives.
It is time for the government to act decisively. Rescue 1122 is not merely a regional achievement; it is a national necessity. Without urgent action, future generations will rightly ask: “Were the lives of Pakistanis outside Punjab considered less valuable?”
