PESHAWAR   -  Rescue 1122 Khyber Pakhtunkhwa mounted a robust and coordinated emergency response across the province during the three-day Eid-ul-Azha holidays, responding to a staggering 1,999 emergency calls and providing immediate medical assistance to 1,897 individuals.

To safeguard the influx of tourists and local communities, special medical camps were established at major tourist destinations, while dedicated water rescue teams were deployed at rivers and dams throughout the province, said Bilal Ahmad Faizi, spokesperson for Rescue 1122.

Tragically, despite extensive safety measures, 55 lives were lost in various incidents across the province. These included road traffic accidents, fire outbreaks, drowning incidents, and firearm-related cases. The injured received timely first aid and were swiftly transported to nearby hospitals.

According to Director General (DG) Rescue 1122, Shah Fahad, the breakdown of incidents is as follows: 1,400 medical emergencies, 349 road traffic accidents (including 43 in Peshawar), 112 fire-related incidents, 6 drowning cases, 82 recovery operations, and 50 crime-related emergencies.

Peshawar alone witnessed 418 emergency responses, resulting in the safe transfer of 431 patients to medical facilities. These incidents included 43 traffic accidents, 338 medical emergencies, 20 fire incidents, 8 firearm injuries, and 11 recovery operations.

The reported fatalities were distributed as follows: 13 in Peshawar, 14 in Mardan, 3 each in Nowshera, Bajaur, and Kurram, 4 in Haripur, 2 each in D.I. Khan, Abbottabad, Bannu, Buner, and Battagram, and 1 each in North Waziristan, Kohat, and Khyber.

DG Shah Fahad praised the tireless dedication of Rescue 1122 personnel during the Eid holidays and reaffirmed the department’s unwavering commitment to public safety. He also urged citizens to remain vigilant, adhere to safety protocols, and cooperate with rescue personnel to help prevent avoidable tragedies.