Sindh Government Reaffirms Commitment to Disaster Risk Reduction on National Resilience Day

By Nazir Siyal

Karachi, Oct 8:
A graceful ceremony was held at a local hotel in Karachi to mark National Resilience Day, organized by the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Sindh. The event was graced by Mr. Giyanchand Essarani, Advisor to the Chief Minister Sindh for the Rehabilitation Department, as the Chief Guest.

The ceremony was attended by Secretary Rehabilitation Department Mr. Akhtar Hussain Bugti, Director General Rescue 1122 Mr. Wajid Sibghatullah, officers from relevant departments, representatives of NGOs, and members of civil society.

Documentary films prepared by PDMA Sindh and Rescue 1122 were screened, highlighting their achievements in disaster management, relief activities, and public awareness campaigns. The Rescue 1122 team also presented live demonstrations of rescue and emergency response operations, earning wide appreciation from participants.

Addressing the gathering, Advisor Giyanchand Essarani said that National Resilience Day reminds the nation of the tragic 2005 earthquake and underscores the importance of strengthening preparedness to mitigate the impact of natural disasters. He emphasized that integrated planning, public awareness, and interdepartmental coordination are key to reducing losses during calamities.

He noted that the Rehabilitation Department oversees key institutions including PDMA Sindh and Rescue 1122, where both men and women serve with dedication under challenging conditions. “While relief and drainage work in urban areas is usually completed within a day or two, rural and flood-affected regions present far more complex challenges,” he said. “Our teams, including female staff, remain active round the clock to ensure relief and rescue operations run smoothly.”

Mr. Essarani informed that Rescue 1122 is now fully operational in 16 districts of Sindh, with plans underway to extend its services to the remaining districts. Even where offices are not yet established, rescue personnel are stationed nearby to respond swiftly in emergencies.

He further said that PDMA Sindh has established divisional warehouses to store relief goods and equipment, ensuring timely response in disaster situations. Mobile health units equipped with OPD, ultrasound, X-ray, and laboratory facilities are also operational to serve remote communities. Rescue 1122 has set up satellite stations at multiple locations to boost its operational reach.

Highlighting the Sindh Government’s consistent efforts, Mr. Essarani said that “continuous improvement is our goal,” adding that the department regularly upgrades its capabilities to better serve the public.

He also recalled the Sindh Government’s exceptional performance during the COVID-19 pandemic, carried out under the leadership of Chairman PPP Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah. “Their timely and effective measures protected millions of lives and set an example of responsible governance,” he remarked.

Referring to the post-flood rehabilitation program, he said that nearly 2.1 million houses were damaged during the recent floods and heavy rains, and the Sindh Government has already rebuilt about 700,000 houses, granting ownership rights to beneficiaries. Construction of additional houses is in progress, and ownership documents for the new units will soon be distributed.

In a video message, DG PDMA Sindh Syed Salman Shah said that October 8 serves as a solemn reminder of the 2005 earthquake and the need to stay vigilant. “The purpose of this day is to raise public awareness and reaffirm our resolve to be better prepared for future natural disasters,” he stated. He urged the public to follow preventive measures and reassured that PDMA Sindh is working tirelessly to protect lives and build a resilient Sindh.

The ceremony concluded with the distribution of shields among Mr. Giyanchand Essarani, Mr. Akhtar Hussain Bugti, DG Rescue 1122, and other distinguished guests.