Rescue-1122 and Fire Safety Association of Pakistan (FSAP) Friday observed “Unsung Heroes Day” to pay tribute to martyrs of Ghakkar plaza fire incident, who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty.
On December 20, 2008, 13 firefighters had embraced martyrdom while saving precious lives and extinguishing fire that erupted in the multi-storey plaza situated in the downtown Saddar. Nearly 500 shops were gutted in the fire that lasted for 18 hours.
Out of 13 emergency workers, four were from Rescue-1122, one from Municipal Fire Brigade Rawalpindi, six from Pakistan Ordnance Factory (POF) Wah and two from Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), Islamabad.
The Rescue-1122 and FSAP held awareness sessions to mark the day, recalling valor and gallantry of the emergency workers they exhibited on the fateful day.
Terming the martyrs as real heroes of the nation, speakers highlighted important role of rescuers who ensure complete security cover to people in emergency, putting their lives at risk.
District Emergency Officers (DEOs) briefed rescuers on the Ghakkar plaza incident and bravery exhibited by rescuers and firefighters.
They shared modern techniques to carry out rescue and relief work in major fire incident to minimize losses.
Rescue-1122 spokesperson Deeba Shahnaz read out the message of Punjab Emergency Service Director General Dr Rizwan who paid homage to the martyrs and stressed the need to implement Fire Safety Standards especially in high rise buildings. He said everybody must contribute to build safer communities, adding that the emergency service was always ready to help the community on first call.
“We need to take Disaster Risk Management as culture to build safer communities in Pakistan,” he added.
Rawalpindi District Emergency Officer Dr Abdur Rehman said, “We are proud of our heroes and sacrifices rendered by them will be remembered forever.”
FSAP President Ghulam Muhammad Naz said emergency workers have set an example for all rescuers and firefighters to perform their duties with full devotion and dedication.
