27-01-2006

Lahore’s Humble Superhero for Bomb Disposal

via www.dailytimes.com.pk

This technician is the BDS’ only regular employee for two 12 hours shifts, to respond to all Lahore’s calls. One Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) technician responds to up to 35 bomb threats every month, including hoaxes, and deactivates bombs to save 7.5 million lives in the 1772 square kilometre area of Lahore, and only has a screwdriver, a pair of scissors and a piece of rope for the one man show. The squad also has four employees on daily wages, out of which two are permanently deployed at Allama Iqbal International Airport. These technicians earn Rs 255 a day, almost equal to what a labourer earns. Sources said that 90 percent of Punjab’s BDS employees are hired on daily wages.