ISLAMABAD – The tragic PIMS fire incident jolted Pakistani authorities as 14 newborns died, and now Pakistan’s all-weather friend China made a heartwarming gesture of friendship, as Beijing steps forward to help strengthen Islamabad’s fire and rescue capabilities.
The delivery of 21 modern vehicles speaks of an enduring all-weather China-Pakistan partnership and China’s continued support for Pakistan in times of need.
Islamabad’s fire brigade has been relying on vehicles that are nearly two decades old, with the last major procurement carried out in 2006. The latest Chinese assistance is now set to give the capital’s emergency response system a significant technological upgrade.
The fire vehicles and rescue equipment being provided by China are valued at 72.31 million Chinese yuan, equivalent to around Rs3 billion, sources said.
The package also includes modern snorkel fire tenders capable of reaching much greater heights, potentially transforming rescue operations in Islamabad’s high-rise buildings.
The new vehicles will be able to conduct rescue operations at heights of up to 88 metres, compared with the existing fire tenders’ maximum reach of around 68 metres.
The additional 20-metre reach could significantly expand Islamabad’s ability to tackle fires and carry out emergency rescues in high-rise structures, where conventional firefighting equipment faces serious limitations. The new fleet is expected to arrive in Pakistan in September, helping capital with response infrastructure.
PIMS tragedy sparked serious concerns over fire safety arrangements and emergency response capabilities at the hospital. The tragedy also brought renewed scrutiny to Islamabad’s wider fire and rescue system, particularly the age and capabilities of equipment operated by the Capital Development Authority’s Fire Department.
CDA Fire Department’s last major procurement was made in 2006, leaving the capital dependent on an ageing fleet for nearly two decades. Under a 2024 Pakistan-China Memorandum of Understanding, Islamabad is now set to receive the modern fire and rescue vehicles as Chinese assistance.
PIMS Tragedy exposes Islamabad Health Crisis as over 1650 Medical Posts Remain Vacant
