It was an ordinary day in Karachi in June last year when former federal minister Asad Umar experienced a sudden health emergency. What followed next was extraordinary. Within just five minutes, an ambulance from Rescue 1122 arrived at the scene. Fully equipped with state-of-the-art medical tools and staffed by a trained paramedical team, the ambulance ensured that Umar received immediate medical attention. The swift response time, professionalism, and courteous behaviour of the staff left Umar deeply impressed. Publicly acknowledging the service, he praised the Sindh government for its unparalleled commitment to public welfare through Rescue 1122. This incident, however, is just one of countless examples showcasing the impact of this transformative service, which has revolutionized emergency response in Sindh.
Rescue 1122 is not merely a service for prominent individuals like Asad Umar; it is a lifeline for the millions of residents spread across the vast province of Sindh. With a population exceeding 55 million, the province faces numerous challenges, including natural disasters, urban emergencies, and health crises. Rescue 1122 serves as a beacon of hope for people in distress, reaching every corner of Sindh with equal urgency and dedication. Its inception marked a turning point in the province’s emergency preparedness, filling a critical gap that had long left vulnerable communities without timely assistance. The Sindh Emergency Rescue Service, popularly known as Rescue 1122, was launched in May 2022. It operates under the Sindh Emergency Rescue Service Act 2023, administered by the Rehabilitation Department of Government of Sindh, an initiative that received significant backing from the World Bank.
Prior to its establishment, Sindh’s emergency response framework was fragmented, with various services operating in silos. Firefighting was managed by local governments, while ambulance services were largely run by private organizations and NGOs with untrained staff. This lack of coordination often resulted in delays and inefficiencies, especially during large-scale disasters such as the devastating floods of 2022. Recognizing the urgency of a unified system, the Sindh government, led by the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), took decisive action to create an integrated, state-of-the-art emergency service.
Rescue 1122’s operations are coordinated through a central command and control in Karachi, which serves as the nerve center for all emergency calls across the province and brain of the service. The system offers a one-window solution for diverse emergencies, including medical crises, firefighting, water rescues, and urban search and rescue missions. With its helpline –1122—available free of charge—the service ensures that every call for help is met with a prompt and effective response. This commitment to accessibility and efficiency has made Rescue 1122 a trusted name in emergency services throughout Sindh.
Since its inception, Rescue 1122 has achieved remarkable milestones. Over 770,000 medical emergencies have been addressed, including nearly 23,000 road traffic accidents and over 40,000 cases of traumatic injuries. Fire incidents—numbering more than 1,000—have been managed with professionalism, saving countless lives and mitigating significant property damage. In addition, the service has responded to 203 drowning cases and 72 incidents of structural collapses. Beyond emergency response, Rescue 1122 has trained more than 22,000 community members in lifesaving skills, with 40 percent of the participants being women. These numbers are not mere statistics; they represent lives saved, families preserved, and communities empowered.
A particularly noteworthy feature of Rescue 1122 is its focus on highway operations. Recognizing the high incidence of road accidents on major highways and motorways, the Sindh government established 16 satellite rescue stations at strategic locations. These stations are equipped with advanced ambulances, fire tenders, highway rescue vehicles with all necessary disaster management tools, recovery vehicles and well trained staff from internationally recognized rescue Academy. The initiative ensures that travellers and nearby communities receive immediate assistance in case of emergencies. During the inauguration of a new highway rescue station in Gulshan-e-Maymar, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah emphasized the transformative impact of these stations. He noted that the highway operations not only serve travelers but also provide crucial backup support to nearby districts, addressing a significant gap in emergency infrastructure.
Another groundbreaking aspect of Rescue 1122 is its inclusion of women in its workforce. In a country where gender gaps remain a pressing issue, the participation of women in emergency services is both pioneering and empowering. Currently, 77 female rescuers are part of the 1,035-strong team, performing roles ranging from firefighting to medical response and urban search and rescue with disaster management.
The presence of women in these critical roles has significantly enhanced the service’s reach and effectiveness, particularly in culturally sensitive situations involving women and children. Female rescuers bring unique strengths to the team, including improved communication with female victims, greater cultural
sensitivity, and a nurturing approach to care. Their involvement not only improves operational outcomes but also inspires communities, challenging traditional stereotypes and encouraging more women to seek help and participate in public service.
The contributions of female rescuers extend beyond emergency response. They play an active role in community awareness and training programs, equipping citizens with essential skills such as first aid, CPR, and disaster risk management. These programs have reached thousands of participants, fostering a culture of preparedness and resilience. The inclusion of women in these initiatives underscores Rescue 1122’s commitment to building a safer and more equitable society.
The leadership of the Sindh government, particularly under the guidance of PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and President Asif Ali Zardari, has been instrumental in the success of Rescue 1122. Their vision for a safer, healthier Sindh is evident in the resources and political support allocated to this initiative.
Rescue 1122’s journey is a story of resilience and innovation. From its inception to its current operations, the service has transformed emergency response in Sindh, setting a benchmark for other provinces to follow. Its model, which integrates advanced technology, professional training, and community engagement, has proven to be both effective and sustainable. As the Sindh government continues to expand the service to district and tehsil levels, the vision of province wide accessibility to emergency care is becoming a reality.
The significance of Rescue 1122 extends beyond its immediate impact. It symbolizes the Sindh government’s dedication to its citizens, prioritizing their safety and well-being above all else. In a region often grappling with challenges ranging from climate-induced disasters to urban crises, the presence of a reliable, efficient emergency service is a source of reassurance and hope. Rescue 1122 is not just a service; it is a testament to the power of collective action, guided by a commitment to public good.
As Sindh looks to the future, the role of Rescue 1122 will undoubtedly grow in importance. With plans for further expansion, enhanced training programs, and continued investment in infrastructure, the service is poised to address emerging challenges and build on its successes. The story of Rescue 1122 is one of progress, perseverance, and promise—a reflection of Sindh’s resilience and the Sindh government’s unwavering commitment to its people.
Last but not the least, the success of Rescue 1122 is also attributed to the leadership of Minister Rehabilitation Department, Government of Sindh, Makhdoom Mehboob Zaman, and the tireless efforts of DG Rescue 1122 and his team, whose dedication has made this state-of-the-art service a vital lifeline for the people of Sindh.
The writer is a Sindh government spokesperson.