Minister lauds triumph of Volunteer Day CERTs teams

LAHORE:Minister for Emergency Services Khawaja Salman Rafiq Thursday appreciated the achievements of the teams of International Volunteer day CERTs challenge-2024.

The minister attended the award distribution ceremony of the event as a guest of honour at Emergency Services Academy. Bhakkar CERTs team got the first position, Gujrat team second position and Alkhidmat Foundation Khyber Pakhtunkhwa team got the third position in the contests. The minister praised the participation of teams across Pakistan and China, emphasising their crucial role in strengthening community safety and emergency preparedness.

United States Consul-General Ms Kristin K Hawkins lauded the Punjab Emergency Service and Emergency Services Academy for organizing the contest. She reaffirmed US support for community-based safety initiatives in Pakistan. Ms Romina Kochius Cluster, Head GIZ Pakistan, also appreciated the endeavour and emphasised the GIZ’s partnership with Rescue 1122 in enhancing workplace safety and training. At the end, the minister awarded the teams who secured positions in the contest. A total of 62 CERTs/ Volunteer teams across Pakistan, including a team from China participated in the four-day challenge from 2nd to 5th December 2024.