The Punjab government has introduced Pakistan’s first emergency airlift drone service, designed to rescue people trapped in floods and other natural disasters.
According to the Punjab Home Department, the newly acquired airlift drone can safely carry a person weighing up to 200 kilograms and transport them to a secure location.
This advanced technology aims to make rescue operations faster and more effective in disaster-hit areas.
The Home Secretary has directed that the drone be immediately deployed to Multan, where floodwaters have trapped several residents.
Successful test flights in Lahore
Before being sent to South Punjab, Civil Defense successfully carried out test flights of the drone in Lahore. Officials confirmed that the equipment is fully operational and ready for emergency use.
Home Secretary Punjab stated that the government has decided to purchase ten additional drones for Civil Defense. These will ensure that timely rescue and relief operations can be conducted during any natural disaster or emergency situation.
Civil defense as frontline rescuers
The Home Secretary praised Civil Defense personnel and volunteers, describing them as “frontline soldiers” in the fight against floods and emergencies. He highlighted their courage and commitment to saving human lives in dangerous and inaccessible places.
He also announced the creation of the Punjab Civil Defense Resilience Corps, which is being developed on modern lines to enhance rescue capabilities across the province.
The process of registering citizens as volunteers for the Resilience Corps is already underway. More than 4,000 people signed up in just the past week to help flood victims.
Officials confirmed that volunteers can register through an online portal and serve according to their capacity. Trained personnel and volunteers will receive international-standard training and modern equipment to carry out rescue operations more effectively.
The Punjab Home Secretary emphasised that with the integration of modern technology like airlift drones, Civil Defense in the province is being upgraded to match the standards of developed countries.
