Sindh government clarifies Rescue 1122 holds operational command in emergencies

KARACHI: The Sindh government has informed the Gul Plaza Judicial Commission that the Sindh Emergency Rescue Services (SERS), widely known as Rescue 1122, is solely responsible for conducting and executing rescue operations during emergencies, rather than the local or district governments.

This clarification was presented on Monday, based on a legal opinion prepared by the office of the Advocate General (AG) Sindh. The AG’s office stated that while city and district governments may offer logistical and infrastructural support during emergencies, their role is limited to ancillary and coordinative functions. These responsibilities do not grant them primary operational command or statutory authority over rescue operations following the enactment of the Sindh Rescue Service Act, 2023.

The legal opinion further highlighted that governance and oversight of Rescue 1122 falls under the administrative control of the Sindh Emergency Council. The Council serves as the regulatory and policy-making authority, ensuring that the rescue service delivers an effective, efficient, and prompt response during emergency situations.

The Sindh Rescue Service Act, 2023, was referenced as the legislative basis for these arrangements, reinforcing that operational command in emergencies is vested in Rescue 1122. The city and district governments’ involvement is therefore supportive rather than directive, as per the AG Sindh’s submission to the commission.

The clarification comes amid ongoing discussions regarding the roles and responsibilities of various government bodies in emergency management, particularly in the wake of recent incidents that have prompted scrutiny of rescue operations and coordination among agencies.