LAHORE: The Punjab government has introduced an advanced airlift drone to boost rescue and relief operations, especially for flood-hit areas. This state-of-the-art drone can lift and safely transport a person weighing up to 200 kilograms.
Punjab Home Secretary Dr Ahmad Javed Qazi ordered that the drone be immediately sent to Multan to help rescue people trapped in flooded areas. Before deployment, the Civil Defence successfully tested the drone with trial flights over the Ravi River in Lahore.
Dr Qazi announced that 10 more airlift drones will soon be purchased, making this Pakistan’s first emergency airlift drone service. He said the Home Department is providing modern equipment and international-standard training to the Civil Defence Resilience Corps to improve emergency response.
“The drone service will help rescue people from areas that are difficult or dangerous to reach,” Dr Qazi said.
He added that Civil Defence teams play a key role during floods and other disasters by saving lives and relocating victims, livestock, and belongings while also providing shelter, food, and medicines.
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The Home Secretary also shared that over 4,000 citizens registered this week as Civil Defence volunteers. People can register online at VCD.HOME.GOP.PK to contribute according to their skills.
Meanwhile, Commissioner Maryam Khan said that efforts to drain floodwater in Mohlanwal Theme Park are underway. She said 17 de-watering machines and five cranes are working to remove water, with temporary drains and engines installed at different points.
“So far, more than half of the floodwater has been drained from the low-lying areas of the park,” she said after visiting Mohlanwal Theme Park Society on the Chief Minister’s instructions.
