China to Provide Islamabad 21 Modern Fire and Rescue Vehicles Worth Around Rs3 Billion

Advanced firefighting fleet, including 88-metre snorkel, expected to strengthen emergency response in Pakistan’s capital

ISLAMABAD — Nazrana Times
Report: Ali Imran Chattha

China is expected to provide Islamabad with 21 modern fire and rescue vehicles along with specialised emergency-response equipment valued at approximately Rs3 billion, marking a significant upgrade to the capital’s firefighting and rescue capabilities.
According to reports citing official and government sources, the assistance is valued at around 72.31 million Chinese yuan and is being provided under a Pakistan-China memorandum of understanding signed in 2024. The new vehicles and equipment are expected to arrive in Pakistan in September 2026.

The development comes amid renewed attention on fire safety and emergency preparedness in Islamabad following the recent fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS). The incident occurred on August 26 at the Mother and Child Health Centre and resulted in the deaths of 14 newborn babies. Six fire tenders and four ambulances were reportedly deployed during the emergency response.

Advanced 88-Metre Snorkel to Boost High-Rise Rescue Capacity

One of the most important additions to the new fleet will be an advanced snorkel fire tender capable of reaching a height of approximately 88 metres.
Islamabad’s existing snorkel vehicles reportedly have a maximum reach of around 68 metres. The additional reach is expected to improve the ability of emergency teams to respond to fires and rescue operations involving taller buildings.

The equipment could prove particularly important as Islamabad continues to expand vertically, increasing the need for modern firefighting technology capable of reaching upper floors of high-rise structures.

Ageing Firefighting Fleet Set for Major Upgrade

Islamabad’s existing firefighting fleet is reported to be nearly two decades old, with the last major procurement dating back to around 2006.
The arrival of the Chinese-supplied vehicles is expected to strengthen emergency response capabilities for building fires, road accidents, high-rise incidents and other major emergencies across the federal capital.
The upgrade is also expected to provide rescue personnel with more modern equipment to handle increasingly complex emergency situations.

Four New Rescue and Fire Stations Planned

Alongside the new equipment, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) is moving forward with plans to establish four additional Rescue 1122 and fire stations.
The proposed facilities are planned for G-11, I-14, I-9 and Model Town Humak, with the aim of improving emergency coverage and reducing response times in different parts of Islamabad.

PIMS Fire Brings Emergency Preparedness Under Scrutiny

The recent PIMS incident has brought greater public and government attention to fire-safety arrangements in hospitals and other public institutions.
A government inquiry reportedly highlighted shortcomings in fire-safety and emergency arrangements. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif subsequently ordered action against officials identified as responsible by the inquiry process.
Against this backdrop, the Chinese assistance is being seen as an important step towards modernising Islamabad’s ageing firefighting and rescue infrastructure and improving preparedness for future emergencies, particularly those involving high-rise buildings.

Nazrana Times | Islamabad
Report: Ali Imran Chattha