Muzaffarabad: Employees of Rescue 1122 in Pakistan-administered Kashmir have begun protests in several districts, including Muzaffarabad, Mirpur and Jhelum Valley, demanding the approval of a risk allowance and improved service benefits.
Rescue workers say they regularly operate in dangerous conditions while responding to emergencies but are not provided the same financial benefits that their counterparts receive in other provinces of Pakistan.
The protests began in Muzaffarabad, where workers gathered to press the government for immediate action on their demands.
Protesters said demonstrations would continue until the government issues a formal notification approving the risk allowance.
Similar protests were reported in Mirpur, where dozens of emergency service personnel staged a demonstration outside the Kashmir Press Club Mirpur.
Participants chanted slogans and called on the government to recognize the risks faced by Rescue 1122 workers during their duties.
Rescue personnel said they routinely risk their lives while responding to traffic accidents, fires, medical emergencies and natural disasters, yet they have not been granted a risk allowance similar to emergency workers in Pakistan’s other provinces.
They urged the authorities in Pakistan-administered Kashmir to approve the allowance on the same model.
In Muzaffarabad, protesters have also staged a sit-in at Azadi Chowk, where Rescue 1122 staff continue to demonstrate in support of their demands.
Workers say that despite putting their lives at risk to protect the public, they have not been provided basic financial support such as risk allowance.
According to the protesters, the absence of such benefits has also created financial difficulties for many employees.
They said that while they remain committed to serving the public, the government must also ensure the welfare and safety of those working on the front lines of emergency response.
In Jhelum Valley, Rescue 1122 employees also came out onto the streets, staging a protest outside the District Emergency Rescue Office 1122.
Participants raised slogans in support of their demands and called on the government to immediately approve the risk allowance.
Protesters emphasized that Rescue 1122 is an essential service that operates around the clock, responding to emergencies and disasters to protect lives and property.
Despite the nature of their work, they said they are not being provided the same allowances granted to other government departments.
Rescue workers warned that if their demands are not addressed soon, they may expand their protest movement across the region.
They urged the government of Pakistan-administered Kashmir to approve risk allowance, improve the service structure, and introduce additional benefits to ensure that emergency responders can perform their duties with greater security and motivation.
For now, demonstrations continue in several districts, with rescue personnel vowing to maintain their protests until their demands receive a response from authorities.