ISLAMABAD(National times)- Director General (DG) Civil Defense and Chairman Capital Development Authority (CDA), Muhammad Ali Randhawa, has ordered a comprehensive upgrade of civil defense infrastructure and volunteer services across Islamabad and other regions, aiming to strengthen emergency response and ensure the safety of citizens.The directive was issued during a high-level meeting chaired by Randhawa at CDA Headquarters on Saturday. Senior officials, including CDA Member Administration and Estate Talat Mehmood, Member Finance Tahir Naeem, ICT Director, Additional Deputy Commissioner Islamabad, and Civil Defense officers were present. The meeting reviewed the current performance of civil defense institutions, especially the National Institute of Fire Technology in Islamabad, as well as other training centers operating across the provinces. A series of reforms were approved to modernize services—ranging from fire-fighting and bomb disposal to volunteer training and public awareness. “Our core mission is to protect lives and property,” said Randhawa. “To achieve that, 36 master trainers will be equipped with modern techniques to train a new generation of volunteers capable of handling emergencies effectively.” Among the key measures discussed were the upgrading of civil defense training centers, the launch of public education campaigns, and the introduction of regular fire prevention and first aid workshops in schools and public venues. The initiative also aims to broaden volunteer participation across society and integrate international best practices into Pakistan’s civil defense system. Randhawa emphasized that increasing community involvement and professionalizing the volunteer network are essential for a resilient emergency response system. “Volunteers have served valiantly in both peace and war,” he said. “With proper training and resources, they can become the frontline force during crises.”