The Pakistan Rescue Team emerged victorious at the International Rescue Challenge 2024, with the Philippine team taking second place.
The event, held at the Emergency Services Academy in Lahore, featured top rescue teams from countries such as China, the UK, South Korea, and Malaysia. Teams competed in various challenges, including height rescue, deep well rescue, confined space extrication, trauma care, and fire fitness.
The awards ceremony was attended by prominent figures, including Speaker of the Punjab Assembly Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan, Minister for Emergency Services Khawaja Salman Rafique, and US Consul General Kristin K. Hawkins.
Malik Ahmad Khan praised the winning team for their dedication to humanitarian efforts and commended Rescue 1122 for its vital work across Punjab. Khawaja Salman Rafique highlighted that the Pakistan Rescue Team is now the first UN-INSARAG-certified rescue team in South Asia. He also announced the start of the Asia Pacific Earthquake Response Exercise, with 274 delegates from 23 countries participating.
UN-INSARAG Global Lead Winston Chang applauded the teamwork and collaboration demonstrated during the event, while Dr. Rizwan Naseer, Secretary of Emergency Services, reflected on the progress of Rescue 1122, which has saved 15.9 million lives and trained over 26,500 personnel.
US Consul General Hawkins acknowledged USAID’s role in enhancing Pakistan’s disaster preparedness and reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to regional resilience.
The International Rescue Challenge concluded on Tuesday, with the earthquake response exercise beginning on Wednesday.
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