Transforming Disaster Response: The Impact of Rescue 1122 in Sindh
Emergency Preparedness & Response, Gender Inclusive Disaster Risk Management The session outlined the imperative for a comprehensive and inclusive disaster risk management service in Sindh Province, Pakistan. Sindh was the most affected province in the 2022 floods, which inundated one third of the country. Due to unprecedented trends of urban expansion and recurring natural and human-induced disasters, the Government of Sindh has developed the Sindh Emergency Rescue Service – referred to as “Rescue 1122”. A Central Command & Control Karachi meticulously oversees emergency calls throughout the entire province, offering communities a unified and efficient ‘one-window’ service for all types of emergencies and disasters, including fire fighting, water rescue, urban search & rescue, and lifesaving training. At the governance level, the provincial assembly of the Government of Sindh approved the “Sindh Emergency Rescue Service Bill 2023” in August 2023, It is really a privilege for me to not only implement the project but also lead the operations and command the Rescue force of Sindh Emergency Rescue Service (Rescue-1122). Gender inclusion a key pillar of Rescue 1122, where the government has committed to increasing women rescuers & staff to 30% from 13% by 2028. Rescue 1122 has been conducting various initiatives, from women-targeted recruitment drives, home visits to encourage women’s mobility to work under challenging social norms, and curriculum adaptation to better fit women’s needs.
The session engaged stakeholders from different countries for an in-depth knowledge exchange on how to develop an inclusive and comprehensive emergency management service. The discussions have continued after UR for further knowledge exchange.
Organized by: Government of Sindh/World Bank
