Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has approved a comprehensive Rs30.8 billion plan aimed at reorganizing and modernizing emergency services across the province to create a faster and more coordinated response system under a unified command structure.
The decision was taken during a high-level meeting chaired by the chief minister, attended by senior officials including Murtaza Wahab, Asif Hyder Shah, Muzamel Halepoto, and Salman Shah. The initiative focuses on strengthening emergency preparedness, improving response efficiency, and enhancing institutional capacity throughout Sindh.
A major component of the plan involves significant investment in infrastructure and training. The government will establish new fire stations across key districts and set up a dedicated Rescue 1122 academy to improve professional training standards and develop skilled emergency responders.
Under the approved proposal, authorities will procure modern rescue equipment and specialized vehicles to upgrade operational capabilities. The government plans to acquire 100 fire trucks along with snorkels, aerial ladders, drones, fire bikes, and all-terrain vehicles to respond effectively to emergencies in urban and remote areas.
Officials also briefed the meeting on a province-wide fire safety audit conducted by 122 inspection teams. By April 1, a total of 3,340 buildings had been inspected, exceeding the initial target of 2,368 structures. The audit showed improved compliance levels, with 43 percent of buildings now classified as substantially compliant, while high-risk structures declined from 33 percent in February to 22 percent.
Authorities sealed several hazardous buildings and issued more than 3,000 notices to enforce fire safety regulations. The government emphasized that strict monitoring and regular inspections would continue to ensure public safety.
A key recommendation presented during the meeting proposed the creation of a unified and autonomous emergency services authority in Sindh. Under this model, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority Sindh and Rescue 1122 would function as major operational wings within a single administrative framework.
The restructuring plan also suggests integrating local government fire services, civil defense functions excluding wartime roles, emergency health services, and compensation mechanisms under one coordinated system to eliminate duplication and improve efficiency.
Endorsing the proposal in principle, Chief Minister Shah directed officials to prepare a comprehensive legal framework to formalize the new structure. A five-member committee, headed by the Advocate General of Sindh, has been formed to draft the required legislation.
Emphasizing the importance of the initiative, the chief minister stated that protecting human lives and property remains the government’s foremost responsibility and instructed authorities to ensure strict enforcement of safety laws across the province.
Also read: Sindh Government Implements Watermarking System For Annual Exams
