Punjab Emergency Service (Rescue 1122) has been placed on high alert across the province for Muharram, with more than 12,000 rescuers to be deployed on the 9th and 10th of Muharram to provide emergency and medical cover for mourning processions and religious gatherings.
Emergency Services Department Secretary Dr. Rizwan Naseer reviewed Rescue 1122’s preparedness arrangements during an online meeting held at Rescue Headquarters Lahore. The meeting was attended by directors, heads of wings, the head of operations and district emergency officers (DEOs) from across Punjab via video link.
Dr. Rizwan also reviewed the monitoring and rapid response mechanisms of district control rooms and the Provincial Emergency Operations Center established at Emergency Services Headquarters Lahore. He directed all DEOs to coordinate closely with organisers of religious gatherings, Imamia Scouts and Community Emergency Response Teams (CERTs) to ensure effective preparedness and emergency response.
He emphasised reviewing procession routes and alternative road networks in advance to facilitate uninterrupted emergency services and public convenience during Muharram.
According to spokesperson, during the briefing, the head of operations informed the meeting that, in line with directives of the Punjab government, Rescue 1122 personnel were performing duties under a special Muharram Medical Cover Plan. Special rescue medical posts will be established near majalis and processions to provide immediate assistance in emergencies.
The briefing further revealed that 896 emergency ambulances, 2,300 rescue motorbikes and 316 fire and rescue vehicles would be deployed across Punjab for Muharram duties. In Lahore alone, more than 1,300 rescuers, 59 ambulances, 300 rescue motorbikes and 44 fire and rescue vehicles, along with specialized emergency units, will remain on duty.
Rescue 1122 will provide emergency and medical cover to 37,868 majalis and 9,412 processions being held throughout Punjab. The highest number of majalis, 4,196, will take place in Lahore, followed by 2,404 in Sargodha, 2,138 in Rawalpindi, 1,934 in Rajanpur, 1,902 in Jhang, 1,680 in Gujranwala, 1,533 in Multan and 1,478 in Bhakkar.
Similarly, Sargodha will witness the highest number of processions at 659, followed by Jhang with 493, Multan 484, Gujranwala 473, Lahore and Muzaffargarh 459 each, Dera Ghazi Khan 456 and Faisalabad 443.
The Emergency Services Department was also briefed on Lahore-specific deployment plans. Special rescue teams equipped with medical kits will be stationed at sensitive locations, including Karbala Gamay Shah, Imamia Colony and Nisar Haveli. Additional teams will remain on standby to respond to any untoward incident.
According to the deployment plan, mobile rescue posts and ambulances equipped with medical supplies will accompany processions to ensure immediate medical assistance for mourners.
Dr. Rizwan Naseer said Rescue 1122 would continue routine emergency operations alongside Muharram duties and urged citizens to dial 1122 immediately in case of any emergency.