In a decisive move to revitalize Civil Defence and enhance disaster preparedness, the Punjab Home Department has officially launched an online volunteer registration portal. This digital initiative aims to engage citizens across the province in emergency response efforts and ensure faster mobilization during crises. The portal’s launch was accompanied by the establishment of 22 Combined Control and Report Centres strategically located throughout Punjab to facilitate rapid, coordinated emergency management.
The announcement was made during a visit by Punjab Home Secretary Noorul Amin Mengal to a Civil Defence underground bunker at Nasir Bagh, Lahore, on Thursday. During the visit, Director Civil Defence Zameer Hussain provided a detailed briefing on current safety protocols and the department’s operational readiness.
Underlining the government’s dedication to strengthening community resilience, Secretary Mengal urged citizens to register actively through the new online portal. The department has set an ambitious goal to train one million new volunteers across Punjab to create a robust network capable of responding swiftly to natural disasters, accidents, and other emergencies. “We are mobilizing all necessary resources to meet this target,” he affirmed.
The Punjab Home Department revealed that the province currently boasts 1,113 designated safe shelters with a combined capacity to accommodate approximately 77,000 people during emergencies. The newly launched control centres are designed to improve real-time communication among emergency response teams and enable swift decision-making, which is crucial during crises.
In addition to expanding volunteer recruitment, Mengal emphasized the urgent need to modernize Civil Defence’s infrastructure. He announced an allocation of Rs500 million earmarked for the immediate and transparent procurement of essential equipment and supplies, reinforcing the department’s operational capabilities.
Furthermore, Civil Defence, in close collaboration with Rescue 1122, has recently trained over 150,000 citizens—including a significant number of students—through widespread awareness campaigns and disaster response drills conducted over the past week. These efforts aim to equip the public with critical knowledge and skills necessary for effective disaster management.
Civil Defence’s role had diminished over past decades due to a period of relative peace and absence of urban attacks, leading to inactivity. However, with the current restructuring and renewed focus, the department is set to reclaim its position as a frontline institution for civil emergency response and public safety across Punjab.
The launch of the volunteer registration portal marks a pivotal step toward digital empowerment and community engagement in disaster preparedness, aligning with broader government objectives to leverage technology for public safety.
