With rising tensions between Pakistan and India, Rawalpindi has been placed under high alert by local authorities. The district administration, along with the Civil Defence Department, has activated 16 emergency sirens across the city—centered around the main control point at the Civil Defence Office. Additionally, 38 emergency and surveillance checkpoints are now functioning continuously, manned by Civil Defence and Rescue 1122 teams.
A key development in the city’s preparedness measures includes the training of 3,500 civilian volunteers, for the first time including female participants, in emergency and combat rescue skills. These training sessions are taking place at several sites, such as the Rawalpindi Cantt police station and Mission Higher Secondary School in Raja Bazaar. The program covers essential skills like evacuating civilians from danger zones, administering aid to the injured, and handling fires.
Talib Hussain, the district civil defense officer, emphasized the department’s readiness during both peaceful times and emergencies. He confirmed that all volunteers have been mobilized for rescue drills under the guidance of Deputy Commissioner Hasan Waqar Cheema. The hands-on sessions are being led by senior trainers Nasir Kayani and Sadaf Zahoor, while Halima Saadia is in charge of preparing the female recruits.
All emergency equipment has been inspected and activated. Staff leave has been suspended, and personnel have been assigned to 24-hour shifts. Key siren installations across the city, including those at Kohinoor Mills, the Railway Loco Shed, and the General Bus Stand in Pirwadhai, have also been upgraded and reactivated.
These precautionary measures follow a deadly incident in Indian-administered Kashmir, which has heightened military alertness on both sides of the border. Pakistan has cited credible intelligence of a possible Indian strike within the next 24 to 36 hours, triggering a wave of national emergency preparations.
