Islamabad, July 19, 2025: A high-level meeting was convened at the Capital Development Authority (CDA) Headquarters to review and strengthen civil defense infrastructure and volunteer services across Islamabad and beyond. The session was chaired by Chairman CDA, Chief Commissioner Islamabad, and Director General Civil Defense Muhammad Ali Randhawa, and attended by senior officials from the CDA, Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration, and Civil Defense.
Participants included CDA Member Administration and Estate Talat Mehmood, Member Finance Tahir Naeem, Director ICT, Additional Deputy Commissioner Islamabad, and senior officers from the National Institute of Fire Technology (NIFT) and provincial civil defense departments.
The meeting primarily assessed the performance of civil defense institutions, particularly the NIFT, which operates under Civil Defense in Islamabad, along with training centers established in provincial headquarters and other cities.
Key decisions were made to modernize and enhance the capabilities of civil defense services, with a special focus on strengthening emergency response systems, improving firefighting and bomb disposal training, upgrading volunteer training modules and launching awareness campaigns to engage the public in safety initiatives.
Addressing the meeting, DG Civil Defense Muhammad Ali Randhawa emphasized that the core mission of the department is to safeguard lives and property. He announced that 36 master trainers would be equipped with advanced tools and techniques to provide modern, hands-on training to volunteers nationwide.
Randhawa also underscored the importance of public awareness and announced plans to initiate a robust educational campaign to familiarize citizens with civil defense practices.
Chairman CDA directed the immediate upgradation of Civil Defense training centers in line with contemporary standards. He also called for the regular organization of fire prevention and first aid workshops in educational institutions and public spaces, as well as increased community engagement and volunteer mobilization.
He further recommended incorporating international best practices and technical expertise to enhance Pakistan’s civil defense framework.
Recognizing the crucial role of civil defense volunteers during both wartime and peacetime, Chairman Randhawa stressed the need for a comprehensive and integrated strategy to activate the Civil Defense Department. He also highlighted the urgency of addressing resource gaps, ensuring the availability of trained staff, and empowering volunteers to take an active role in managing emergencies and enhancing national resilience.
