Rescue 1122 personnel from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, released from Attock jail after their arrest for participating in the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) D-Chowk protest, received a warm welcome in Peshawar from Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur on Friday.
The chief minister greeted the 42 freed personnel by showering them with rose petals and announced their promotion.
The rescue workers were released weeks after being detained by federal and Punjab police during the protest against the government in Islamabad in the first week of October. They were among 86 individuals who were arrested during or after the demonstration.
Gandapur made the announcement following a meeting with the personnel at the Chief Minister’s house after their release. The group included firefighters, drivers, medical technicians, and other staff.
In an interview with Geo News, Director General of Rescue 1122 Muhammad Ayaz Khan expressed gratitude to the chief minister for his support, stating that he announced a one-step promotion for the released personnel, along with an extra month’s salary. Ayaz also noted that the chief minister assured them of increased allowances and plans to raise their retirement age from 50 to 60 years.
Khan revealed that at least six members of the department are still incarcerated.
More than 10 Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police officers and over 40 Rescue 1122 employees were detained by the Punjab police for participating in a protest rally led by Gandapur in the capital.
The crackdown occurred as federal and Punjab governments took strict action against PTI workers who marched into Islamabad for the protest. The federal capital experienced several days of unrest due to the demonstrations, with authorities responding by firing tear gas and placing containers throughout the city to prevent the march.
In addition to the provincial personnel and officials, 22 vehicles belonging to Rescue 1122, the Peshawar Development Authority, and Local Government were also seized.
