ISLAMABAD: China has donated 21 modern fire and rescue vehicles worth around Rs3 billion to Islamabad. It will giv the federal capital a major firefighting boost after a deadly fire at PIMS hospital claimed the lives of 14 newborns.
The new fleet will replace ageing firefighting equipment that has been in service for nearly two decades. It will also improve the city’s ability to tackle fires and carry out rescue operations, particularly in high-rise buildings.
According to media reports, the existing Islamabad Fire Brigade fleet dates back to 2006, when the Capital Development Authority (CDA) last made a major purchase for the fire department.
The Chinese donation includes vehicles and equipment worth 72.31 million Chinese yuan, or roughly Rs3 billion. Among the key additions is a modern snorkel fire tender designed for high-rise rescue operations. It can reach heights of around 88 metres.
The new vehicle will give firefighters a significantly greater reach than Islamabad’s existing fire tenders, which can reach about 68 metres. Sources said the additional reach would improve the city’s response to fires and rescue emergencies in tall buildings.
The new fleet is expected to arrive in Pakistan in September under a 2024 memorandum of understanding between Pakistan and China. The donation comes at a critical time for Islamabad’s emergency services. The recent PIMS tragedy has highlighted the risks posed by ageing firefighting infrastructure and the need for faster and better-equipped emergency response.
The new vehicles could significantly improve Islamabad’s firefighting capacity. But their effectiveness will also depend on regular maintenance, trained staff and proper deployment across the capital.
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