Int’l Rescue Challenge inaugurated

LAHORE:Provincial Minister for Health and Emergency Services Khawaja Salman Rafique along with United Nations INSARAG Secretary Winston Chang Yu officially inaugurated the two-day International Rescue Challenge (IRC) at the Emergency Services Academy (Rescue 1122) Thokar Niaz Baig on Monday.

This challenge will be followed by the United Nations INSARAG Asia-Pacific Earthquake Response Exercise in the city from October 23 to 26, 2024. A total of 274 delegates from 23 countries participated in the International Rescue Challenge and UN INSARAG exercise. Kh Salman Rafique welcomed the international rescue teams, representatives of UN INSARAG Secretariat and United Nations agencies participating in the International Rescue Challenge.

The provincial minister on this occasion said that it is a matter of great pride for the country that Pakistan Rescue team has become the first United Nations INSARAG certified rescue team in South Asia and now our rescue team is organising two international events – ‘International Rescue Challenge and Asia Pacific Earth Quick Response Exercise 2024’ in the provincial capital. He said such international events are always helpful in enhancing professionalism and synergy among professional teams.

UN INSARAG Secretary Winston Chang Yu said that he was happy to see the progress made by the Pakistan Rescue team under the leadership of Khawaja Salman Rafique. Organising such a mega event is not an easy task. He said that the determination and dedication of the Pakistan Rescue team made this event organised in the country. He appreciated all the participating teams and their management for their participation in this international challenge.