Sixty-one volunteer teams from Pakistan and China gathered in Lahore for a four-day Community Action for Disaster Response Skills competition that ran from December 1 to December 4, concluding with celebrations on International Volunteer Day on December 5, 2025. The event showcased cross-border collaboration and practical readiness in emergency response, reinforcing the role of volunteers in disaster preparedness across the region.
The Community Emergency Response Team Multan took top honours and was presented with the CERTs of the Year Trophy, while TT Singh CERTs secured second place. Gujrat and Blue Sky China shared the third position, reflecting strong performances from both Pakistani and Chinese teams. In recognition of international volunteer leadership, Commander Blue Sky China received the Humanitarian Award for efforts to promote volunteerism beyond borders.
Senior officials attended to commend the volunteers and organisers. Khawaja Salman Rafique, Minister for Health and Emergency Services, and Parliamentary Secretary Zia Ullah Shah were present to acknowledge the teams’ dedication. H.E. Mr Ben Warrington, Head of the Lahore Office at the British High Commission, joined other dignitaries, alongside Secretary Emergency Services Dr Rizwan Naseer, in praising the event’s demonstration of skills and coordination.
Organisers and support agencies played a central role in delivering the competition and ceremonies. The Punjab Emergency Service Department, Public Relations Department, Rescue 1122 and Punjab Rescue 1122 Rawalpindi, DGPR Punjab, the Consulate General of China, and provincial authorities worked together to manage logistics, training stations and judging criteria, ensuring a professional platform for volunteer capacity building.
The gathering highlighted the practical value of volunteer training in disaster response and the importance of sustaining volunteer networks across districts and international partners. Organisers and attendees paid tribute to the commitment and bravery of every participant, noting that the skills demonstrated during the competition strengthen community resilience during real emergencies.
Event organisers extended special thanks to officials and partners for their support in making International Volunteer Day in Lahore a success, and reaffirmed plans to continue promoting volunteerism and joint training initiatives that enhance preparedness across Pakistan and with international collaborators.
