Sixty one volunteer teams from Pakistan and China converged in Lahore for the Community Action for Disaster Response Skills competition held from 1 to 4 December, culminating in celebrations on International Volunteer Day on 5 December 2025. The event spotlighted practical disaster response skills and cross‑border collaboration in community emergency preparedness.
Community Emergency Response Team Multan earned the CERTs of the Year Trophy for outstanding performance in rescue and response drills. TT Singh CERTs secured second position while Gujrat and Blue Sky China shared third place after tightly contested exercises. In recognition of efforts to foster cross‑border volunteerism, Commander Blue Sky China received the Humanitarian Award for promoting volunteer engagement internationally.
The competition demonstrated the resolve and bravery of volunteers who trained, coordinated and executed complex response scenarios. International Volunteer Day provided a fitting close to four days of intense teamwork and practical evaluations, honoring the commitment of individuals who serve communities in emergencies.
Organisers and dignitaries present included Khawaja Salman Rafique, Minister for Health and Emergency Services; Parliamentary Secretary Zia Ullah Shah; H.E. Mr Ben Warrington, Head of Lahore Office at the British High Commission; and Secretary Emergency Services Dr Rizwan Naseer. Their presence underscored institutional support for volunteer capacity building.
Appreciation was extended to the Punjab Emergency Service Department Public Relations Department, Rescue 1122, Punjab Rescue 1122 Rawalpindi, DGPR Punjab, the Consulate General of China in Erbil, the Government of Punjab, and community figures including Deeba Shah and Mian Shehbaz Sharif for their support in making the event a success. The organisers salute every volunteer whose dedication turned the competition into a celebration of practical readiness and international cooperation on International Volunteer Day.
