Pakistan is expanding its emergency response capabilities with modern Chinese technology after 21 new rescue and firefighting vehicles arrived at Karachi Port for deployment in the capital Islamabad, the Ministry of Interior said, according to Gwadar Pro.

The vehicles, supplied from China, are the first major addition to Islamabad’s rescue and firefighting fleet in 17 years and are expected to reach the capital within five days, according to a statement issued by the ministry.

The Chinese technology and equipment are expected to upgrade Pakistan’s emergency-response infrastructure, particularly its capacity to deal with fires and rescue operations in high-rise buildings.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi inspected the vehicles at Karachi Port and welcomed their arrival, describing the addition as the biggest expansion of Islamabad Rescue’s fleet since 2009.

“We are grateful to the Government of China for expediting the supply of these new vehicles,” Naqvi said, according to the ministry.

The new vehicles will be deployed at six stations across Islamabad and remain available around the clock, the ministry said.

The modern vehicles are equipped with advanced rescue and firefighting equipment and can conduct operations at heights of up to 256 feet.

The fleet includes four aerial fire trucks, six fire towers and five fire tenders, in addition to other rescue vehicles.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP) — Pak-China