Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Prof Ahsan Iqbal on Monday lauded the lifesaving efforts of Rescue 1122, saying that saving one life is equivalent to saving the whole of humanity.
\nHe was addressing the National Rescue Challenge 2025 at the Emergency Services Academy, Lahore.
\nThe minister praised the role of rescuers who, he said, save numerous lives daily and demonstrate exemplary commitment to humanity.
\nHe particularly appreciated the services of Rescue 1122 personnel during recent floods that started from Narowal, where thousands were evacuated to safer places through timely operations.
\nHe said the success of Rescue 1122 reflected a strong sense of mission among its members and commended the leadership of Director General Dr Rizwan Naseer for transforming the service into a modern, efficient and trusted institution.<\/p>\n
Prof Ahsan Iqbal emphasized that he would like to see greater participation of women in future rescue challenges, noting that women\u2019s inclusion enhances the service\u2019s outreach and effectiveness.<\/p>\n
Recalling a personal experience, he said that in 2008 when he survived an assassination attempt, Rescue 1122 staff promptly transported him to hospital, saving his life. \u201cEvery rescuer embodies the spirit of humanity and public service,\u201d he remarked.
\nThe minister also linked the spirit of Rescue 1122 to Pakistan\u2019s broader national resilience, recalling a conversation with Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan after the 1998 nuclear tests. He said the late scientist had told him that success comes when every individual, from a security guard to a scientist, considers themselves part of a national mission.
\nHighlighting economic progress, Prof Ahsan Iqbal said that when the present government took office, the country faced the threat of default, but under the leadership of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan not only avoided bankruptcy but achieved economic stabilization and growth within two years. He termed this recovery an exemplary achievement and said that today the world recognizes Pakistan\u2019s improving economic outlook.
\nPaying tribute to the armed forces, he said Pakistan\u2019s military had given a befitting response to Indian aggression and made tremendous sacrifices in the war against terrorism. \u201cThe nation is proud of its martyrs, and our armed forces\u2019 courage and professionalism are a source of strength for every Pakistani,\u201d he added.
\nThe minister said the government\u2019s \u201cUraan Pakistan\u201d vision focuses on empowering youth through education and employment so that they can play an effective role in the country\u2019s development. He reiterated that Pakistan cannot afford extremism or instability and that social harmony and progress must go hand in hand.
\nThe planning minister said the National Rescue Challenge 2025 strengthens professional skills, discipline, and coordination among emergency service institutions. Fifteen national teams from Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Gilgit-Baltistan participated, showcasing live rescue operations including accident response, firefighting, and high-angle and deep-water rescues.
\nProf Ahsan Iqbal said such competitions enhance the technical capacity of rescue teams and foster inter-provincial cooperation and knowledge exchange. He noted that a nation\u2019s progress depends on protecting its human capital and efficiently managing emergencies, and that Rescue 1122 has become a symbol of both.
\nHe said that the Ministry of Planning is determined to promote a results-based culture in all public institutions to ensure Pakistan\u2019s safe, sustainable, and prosperous future.
\nProvincial Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique, Director General Rescue 1122 Dr Rizwan Naseer, and other senior officials also attended the event.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Prof Ahsan Iqbal on Monday lauded the lifesaving efforts of Rescue 1122, saying that saving one life is equivalent to saving the whole of humanity. He was addressing the National Rescue Challenge 2025 at the Emergency Services Academy, Lahore. The minister praised the role of rescuers who, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":476986,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-509749","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-national"},"yoast_head":"\n