Emergency Response Toolkits Distributed to Strengthen Community Preparedness in Torghar
The Deputy Commissioner of District Torghar, Mr. Safdar Zaman Quraishi, attended a significant event organized by Sungi Development Foundation for the distribution of Emergency Response Toolkits (ERTs) and the orientation of newly trained Emergency Response Teams. This initiative is part of an ongoing project supported by the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF), with technical support from Rescue 1122 and guidance from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Home and Tribal Affairs Department. The project focuses on restoring essential social services and enhancing climate resilience in the region.
Held in Village Karna, UC Garhi Zai, situated along the banks of the Indus River, the event brought together local residents, government officials, and volunteers to witness the distribution of emergency response kits.
The rugged terrain and limited infrastructure of the Torghar district, particularly in its former tribal belt areas, pose significant challenges in times of crisis. In response, trained Emergency Response Teams have been formed and equipped at the grassroots level, empowering communities to act swiftly and effectively during disasters.
Deputy Commissioner Safdar Zaman Quraishi addressed the participants and emphasized the importance of local capacity-building in the face of climate-induced and man-made disasters. “We have trained community members to effectively respond to emergencies and provided them with essential and modern equipment,” he stated. He noted that the initiative plays a important role in preparing communities to face a wide range of hazards and minimizes their dependence on delayed external assistance.
The event was attended by key district officials, including Assistant Commissioner Tehsil Kundar Mr. Imtiaz Ali, District Police Officer Mr. Raja Khan Afsar, District Emergency Officer 1122 Mr. Hayat Khan, and the Chairman of VC Karna, Mr. Bio, along with the trained ERT participants. Each stakeholder reiterated their commitment to building a resilient Torghar through local empowerment, coordination, and preparedness.
District Police Officer Raja Khan Afsar lauded the effort, calling it a very important step toward enhancing community resilience. “Equipping and training local response teams ensures quicker and more organized action during crises,” he said. The kits distributed include essential tools and high-tech equipment designed to help teams handle a range of emergencies, including floods, fires, landslides, and other hazards prevalent in the region.
The initiative has not only strengthened the emergency response capacity at the village level but has also developed a culture of collective responsibility. By integrating public sector efforts with community engagement and Sungi Development Foundation and PPAF support, this collaborative model presents a replicable example of localized climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction in action.
