What happened?
Rescue 1122 diver Rais Irfan Sajid drowned while attempting to rescue the occupants of a vehicle that had slipped into a canal near Khan in Rahim Yar Khan, Punjab. He entered the water to pull the trapped passengers to safety, but the strong currents and low visibility proved fatal.
Why does it matter?
The incident highlights the extreme hazards faced by Pakistan’s frontline emergency responders, especially those tasked with water‑based operations in a country crisscrossed by rivers and irrigation canals. Sajid’s sacrifice has reignited public debate over the adequacy of training, protective gear, and rescue equipment supplied to provincial services such as Rescue 1122.
What happens next?
Provincial authorities have announced a formal inquiry into the circumstances of the rescue, and senior officials of Rescue 1122 have pledged to review and upgrade safety protocols for water rescues. Families of the victims and fellow rescuers are calling for faster procurement of modern dive gear and specialized training to prevent similar tragedies.