21 new rescue vehicles reach Pakistan after 17 years

September 30, 2026 (MLN): Pakistan has received 21 new rescue and firefighting vehicles from China after a 17-year gap, expanding emergency response capacity in Islamabad.

The vehicles arrived at Karachi Port and are expected to reach Islamabad within five days, according to a briefing during Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi’s visit to the port.

The new fleet will be deployed across six Islamabad stations and will operate round the clock.

The vehicles include four aerial fire trucks, six fire towers and five fire tenders, all equipped for modern rescue and firefighting operations.

According to the briefing, the vehicles can conduct operations at heights of up to 256 feet.

Mohsin Naqvi said the addition of the new vehicles represented the largest expansion of Islamabad Rescue since 2009.

The vehicles were supplied from China, and Mohsin Naqvi appreciated the Chinese government for expediting the delivery.

The development will expand the emergency response fleet available to Islamabad Rescue 1122 and the Fire Brigade after years without a comparable addition.

The new equipment is expected to strengthen firefighting and rescue capabilities, particularly for operations involving high-rise structures and other complex emergencies.

Officials from Customs, Capital Development Authority, Islamabad administration and the National Logistics Corporation were present during the inspection at Karachi Port.

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