Syed Murad Ali Shah has approved a Rs30.8 billion plan to reorganize and modernize emergency services across Sindh, aiming to create an integrated and efficient response system under a unified command structure.
The plan also includes significant investment in new fire stations and the establishment of a Rescue 1122 academy to strengthen training and institutional capacity.
The decision was taken during a high-level meeting chaired by the chief minister and attended by several senior officials, including Murtaza Wahab, Asif Hyder Shah, Muzamel Halepoto, and Salman Shah.
Under the approved plan, major funds will be allocated for the procurement of specialized vehicles and modern rescue equipment. Authorities will acquire 100 fire trucks, snorkels, aerial ladders, drones, fire bikes, and all-terrain vehicles.
The government also approved the purchase of advanced rescue tools, including thermal imaging cameras, breathing apparatus, and life-detection systems.
Officials informed the meeting that a province-wide fire safety audit had been conducted by 122 teams, inspecting 3,340 buildings by April 1—exceeding the initial target of 2,368 buildings.
The audit showed improved compliance levels, with 1,328 buildings (43%) now considered substantially compliant, while the proportion of high-risk structures dropped from 33% in February to 22%.
Authorities also sealed several dangerous buildings and issued over 3,000 notices to ensure compliance with fire safety regulations.
A high-level committee recommended creating a unified and autonomous authority for emergency services in Sindh.
Under the proposal, Provincial Disaster Management Authority Sindh and Rescue-1122 would operate as key wings of the new authority.
The restructuring plan also proposes integrating local government fire services, civil defense functions (excluding wartime roles), emergency health services, and compensation mechanisms under a single administrative umbrella.
Endorsing the recommendations in principle, Chief Minister Shah directed officials to prepare a comprehensive legal framework to formalize the new structure.
He approved the formation of a five-member committee, headed by the Advocate General of Sindh, to draft the required legislation.
“Protection of human lives and property is the foremost responsibility of the government,” the chief minister said, directing authorities to ensure strict enforcement of fire safety laws and regular inspections across the province.