TİKA Enhances Search and Rescue Training in Pakistan

A week-long Advanced Urban Search and Rescue

Training was conducted at the KMC

Urban Search and Rescue Training Center

Staff Reporter

Karachi: The Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA), in collaboration with the IHH Humanitarian Relief Foundation Disaster Management, continues its efforts to enhance disaster preparedness in Pakistan through the Emergency and Disaster Response Training Program (ADAMEP). As part of this initiative, a week-long Advanced Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Training was conducted at the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) Urban Search and Rescue Training Center.

Strengthening Search and Rescue Capabilities

The training program, attended by 30 volunteers from the Sindh Scouts Association and Alkhidmat Foundation, concluded with a certificate distribution ceremony. Participants gained hands-on experience in advanced rescue operations, equipping them with essential skills for disaster response.

The closing ceremony brought together distinguished guests, including former Sindh Ombudsman Aijaz Ali Khan, Head of TİKA Karachi Halil İbrahim Başaran, Director General of Colleges of Sindh Dr. Navaid Rab Siddiqui, Provincial Secretary of Sindh Scouts Syed Akhtar Meer, IHH Disaster Management Trainers, and members of the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation Urban Search and Rescue Team.

Expert Insights on Disaster Preparedness

Former Sindh Ombudsman Aijaz Ali Khan highlighted the significance of such training programs, stressing that Sindh, as a disaster-prone province, greatly benefits from TİKA’s initiatives. He expressed gratitude to TİKA for its continued support in disaster preparedness through training programs and the provision of essential equipment.

TİKA Karachi Head Halil İbrahim Başaran emphasized that the training efforts, which began in response to Pakistan’s devastating floods and Türkiye’s earthquakes, remain ongoing. He underscored that these programs foster collaboration and aim to establish a highly capable search and rescue team in Pakistan, along with a dedicated training center to enhance future disaster readiness.

Participant Experience and Future Training Plans

Tauhid Fatima, a scout team leader and training participant, shared her experience, describing the program as invaluable. She highlighted the importance of teamwork, preparation, resilience, and determination in disaster response. She also expressed appreciation for TİKA and IHH Disaster Management Trainers for their dedicated support.

Following the speeches, certificates were awarded to the 30 search and rescue volunteers, marking the successful completion of their training.

TİKA’s Ongoing Commitment to Disaster Training

Since 2023, TİKA has conducted four training sessions in Pakistan to strengthen disaster response capabilities. The initiative follows a two-phase approach, with Search and Rescue in Nature (Phase I) and Urban Search and Rescue (Phase II) training sessions. The program will culminate in Türkiye with final training sessions, including a third phase—Water Search and Rescue (WSAR) training—also planned to take place in Türkiye.

With continued support from TİKA, Pakistan’s search and rescue teams are expected to be better prepared for future disasters, ensuring improved emergency response and resilience across the country.