ISLAMABAD: A fire broke out in Islamabad’s Margalla Hills on Monday, prompting the prime minister’s coordinator to seek a helicopter for firefighting efforts.
Romina Khurshid Alam, the Prime Minister Coordinator on Climate Change & Environmental Coordination, contacted the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) chairman to request the deployment of a helicopter to help extinguish the blaze.
Alam reported that rescue teams were actively working to contain the fire in the Saidpur village range of the Margalla Hills. However, strong winds were complicating their efforts.
On May 18, another fire had erupted in the Margalla Hills, with the Capital Development Authority (CDA) team managing to control approximately 70% of it by nightfall.
Meanwhile, Federal Minister for Interior Mohsin Naqvi officially launched the Margalla Trails Patrol Unit, a new security initiative implemented within a few days.
Inspector General of Police (IG) Islamabad, Ali Nasir Rizvi, briefed Minister Naqvi about the Margalla Patrol Unit and introduced its patrolling unit.
Minister Naqvi inspected the motorcycle and cavalry units and interacted with the police officers of the Margalla Trails Patrol Unit, advising them to carry out their duties diligently.
A force of 60 police officials will patrol the Margalla trails, aimed at protecting people visiting the area, as briefed to the minister.
This unit comprises foot patrol, motorcycle patrol, and horseback patrol, all geared towards ensuring the safety of citizens enjoying the trails.
The Foot Patrol, consisting of 10 officers, will patrol on foot with full protective gear. The motorcycle unit, comprising 6 motorcycles and 16 officers, and the Horsemen, patrolling on eight horses, form integral parts of this initiative.
