ISLAMABAD: A mock fire drill was conducted by Capital Development Authority to mark International Firefighters Day, where a contingent of firefighters demonstrated their skills by extinguishing fire and rescued the trapped people in a high-rise building. The purpose to observe Firefighters Day was to highlight the sacrifices rendered by firefighters in emergency situation to save the life of others. In this connection, a ceremony was also organised by the authority at Fire Headquarters Building. Addressing the gathering, CDA Chairman Maroof Afzal said, “The authority will improve, strengthen and upgrade the Emergency and Disaster Management Directorate in line with modern techniques to bring it at par with the international standards and special training programmes for firefighters and rescue workers would be arranged to enhance their professional capabilities.” He said that Emergency and Disaster Management Directorate of the authority is equipped with latest firefighting devices and well-trained staff and has proved its professional abilities during several untoward incidents in Pakistan and in different rescue exercises in the outside world. During the ceremony, smartly dressed contingent of firefighters also presented guard of honour to the chief guest and other guest of honour. The specially trained sniper dogs also participated in the mock fire drill. Appreciating the efforts made by firefighters and rescue staff in tackling the emergency situations in the city, the CDA chairman said that though the fire and rescue staff of the authority has been trained to tackle any emergency, however, latest training courses would be arranged to uplift their professional capabilities. He said that the comprehensive awareness campaign to sensitise the citizens about the safety measures and techniques to deal with natural calamities would be launched in the city. Later, the chairman distributed certificates among the best performing rescue workers and fire fighters. Member Administration Amer Ali Ahmed, Member Environment Sanaullah Aman, officers of National Disasters Management Authority (NDMA), Civil Defence, senior officers and officials of different formations of the authority were also present.