rki.news
Altaf Hamid Rao
MIRPUR (AJK), November 1: Commissioner Mirpur Division Raja Tahir Mumtaz Khan on Sunday attended the concluding ceremony of a five-day advanced water rescue training programme organised by Rescue 1122 Azad Kashmir at Mangla Dam.
More than 40 rescuers from four districts of Azad Kashmir participated in the programme, receiving practical training in advanced water rescue techniques, underwater search and rescue, scuba diving and specialised professional skills.
The training was conducted by experienced instructors from the Pawanda Water Rescue and Training Centre, Mirpur, and the Emergency Services Academy, Rescue 1122 Punjab, Lahore.
Addressing the ceremony, the commissioner distributed certificates among successful participants and appreciated the services of Rescue 1122 personnel for risking their lives to protect others in challenging conditions.
He said water rescue was a highly sensitive and demanding field requiring specialised training, physical fitness, courage and modern equipment.
He highlighted the challenging search and rescue operations conducted along the River Jhelum, Azad Pattan, Mangla Dam and other waterways of Azad Kashmir, including the recovery of bodies of people drowned in water.
He stressed that advanced training enhanced rescuers’ professional capabilities, ensured their safety and improved operational effectiveness. He called for continuing modern training programmes in view of Azad Kashmir’s geographical conditions and its rivers, lakes and dams.
District Emergency Officer Rescue 1122 Mirpur Sardar Najam Saduzai said the programme was organised under the vision and special directives of Director General SDMA and Rescue 1122 Azad Kashmir Saeed-ur-Rehman Qureshi to strengthen the professional capacity of rescue personnel.
He said participants received practical training in modern water rescue procedures, difficult aquatic conditions, underwater operations, safety measures and scuba diving.
The programme also aimed to prepare rescuers for emergencies involving deep water and strong currents while improving coordination and experience-sharing among personnel from different districts.
He added that Rescue 1122 Azad Kashmir was utilising available resources to improve emergency services and would continue advanced training programmes to strengthen its response to water-related accidents and complex rescue operations.
The ceremony concluded with certificate distribution, while the contributions of instructors and supporting staff were also appreciated.
