Punjab has launched Pakistan’s first emergency airlift drone service to assist in flood rescue operations, marking a significant addition to disaster response technology in the country. The provincial government has deployed a state-of-the-art drone capable of lifting and transporting an individual weighing up to 200 kilograms from high-risk and inaccessible locations to safety. This initiative is being led by Punjab Home Secretary Dr. Ahmad Javed Qazi, who directed that the newly acquired drone be dispatched to Multan for immediate use in flood-affected areas of South Punjab. Civil Defence teams successfully conducted test flights of the drone along the Ravi River in Lahore before its deployment, demonstrating its operational readiness for real-life rescue missions.
The Home Department has approved the purchase of ten additional airlift drones for Civil Defence, making it the first emergency airlift drone service of its kind in Pakistan. Dr. Qazi said the program is part of a broader effort to enhance the Civil Defence Resilience Corps with modern equipment and internationally benchmarked training standards. By introducing airlift drones, Civil Defence will be better equipped to carry out life-saving operations, relocate flood victims and livestock, and secure property during emergencies. He emphasised that Civil Defence personnel serve as frontline responders during natural disasters and emergencies, and this new capability will expand their reach and efficiency.
Alongside its airlift capabilities, Civil Defence teams remain actively engaged in providing shelters, food, and medicines to displaced families across flood-hit regions. The integration of this drone technology with ongoing humanitarian activities underscores a commitment to blending traditional relief efforts with advanced tools to improve outcomes for affected communities. Dr. Qazi also highlighted the importance of volunteer participation in Civil Defence’s operations, announcing that more than 4,000 citizens have registered with the Civil Defence Resilience Corps during the past week alone. This volunteer force is expected to be a key component in operating and supporting the expanded drone rescue program.
Citizens interested in contributing their skills and services to these humanitarian initiatives are being encouraged to register online at VCD.HOME.GOP.PK. The growing pool of volunteers, combined with the deployment of modern rescue technology, reflects a shift in how provincial authorities are strengthening disaster preparedness and response. Through this initiative, Punjab is not only addressing immediate flood-related challenges but also investing in a more resilient and technologically capable Civil Defence infrastructure that can support communities during future emergencies. The integration of emergency airlift drones into flood relief operations represents a major step in using innovative tools to safeguard lives and property while reinforcing public participation in humanitarian work.
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