Anwarzada Gulyar
BAJAUR: An important meeting was held under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner Bajaur, Shahid Ali Khan, to review the growing risks of forest and urban fires, the potential challenges posed by the ongoing heatwave, and emergency response preparedness. Officials from various relevant departments participated in the meeting.
The meeting was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner General Shahid Rafiq Gandapur, Assistant Commissioners, the District Forest Officer, Rescue 1122 officials, TMOs, representatives of various government departments, members of the Chamber of Commerce, and the President of Khar Bazaar. Participants held detailed discussions on incidents of fire outbreaks in forested and urban areas, their causes, timely emergency response measures, and the effective utilization of available resources.
Addressing the meeting, Deputy Commissioner Shahid Ali Khan emphasized that in view of the extreme weather conditions and rising temperatures, an active and coordinated role of all institutions is essential for the protection of forests, natural resources, and human lives. He directed the Forest Department, administrative officers, Rescue 1122, and Civil Defence authorities to keep forest guards and Civil Defence volunteers fully prepared to respond to any emergency situation and to further strengthen inter-departmental coordination.
The Health Department was also instructed to ensure the timely provision of first aid and medical facilities in the event of any emergency, while rescue agencies were directed to maintain the availability of necessary equipment and manpower.
The meeting also stressed the importance of preventing fire incidents caused by short circuits in markets, raising awareness among traders and the general public regarding precautionary measures, and making public awareness campaigns more effective. Comprehensive directives were issued to protect the public, the environment, and natural resources during the heatwave, and all concerned departments were instructed to remain on high alert.
The participants reaffirmed their commitment to continuing coordinated and effective measures under a joint strategy to address forest fires, urban fire incidents, and weather-related threats, ensuring the protection of lives, property, and the environment.
