TİKA Strengthens Search & Rescue and Emergency Response Capacity in Flood-Affected AJK

In August 2025, severe floods struck Pakistan’s northern regions, including Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK). In response, the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) launched a project in Muzaffarabad to enhance the capacity of Emergency Service Rescue 1122 under the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA).

As part of the initiative, a three-day training program was conducted, equipping Rescue 1122 personnel and volunteers with essential skills such as Basic Life Support, CPR, flood rescue operations, high-angle rescue techniques, and rope systems. Alongside the training, TİKA provided SDMA with 3 motorbike ambulances, 2 rescue motorbikes, 1 inflatable rescue boat, a drone, water rescue kits, and a wide range of first aid and emergency response equipment.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, SDMA AJK Director General Sardar Waheed Khan stated: “The friendship and brotherhood between the people of Türkiye and Kashmir have been proven time and again. This project, which enhances the response capacity of AJK 1122, is yet another renewal of these strong bonds.”

On behalf of TİKA, the Country Coordinator Saliha Tuna emphasized both solidarity with flood-affected families and the long-term impact of the project: “Through this project, we aim not only to strengthen emergency response capacity, but also to support SDMA in training hundreds of volunteers in the coming years, thereby enhancing community resilience. Türkiye will always stand with Pakistan and AJK in times of need.”