On Instructions of Prime Minister, NDMA hosted the third meeting of National Disaster Response Committee (DRC) at its headquarters in Islamabad today. The meeting focused on reviewing the progress of directives issued during the first DRC meeting and assessing the preparedness of provinces and departments for Monsoon 2024. The meeting was chaired by Federal Minister for Planning & Special Initiatives, Prof. Ahsen Iqbal and co-chaired by Chairman NDMA Lt General Inam Haider Malik. PM’s Coordinator for Climate Change, Romina Khursheed also participated in session . Officials from National Emergencies Operations Center (NEOC) provided an overview of the anticipated impacts of the upcoming monsoon season, along with NDMA’s preparedness and plans. PDMAs and other stakeholders briefed the forum on the tasks assigned by the Chair in previous meetings. The Chair was updated on ongoing efforts to address potential emergencies, rectify shortcomings, and the resource deployment plan for vulnerable areas. Federal Minister Prof. Ahsan Iqbal emphasized the necessity of a well-coordinated approach to manage climatic hazards. He highlighted the crucial role of Federal & Provincial Authorities in close coordination with NDMA to ensure a prompt and effective response to monsoon-related emergencies. He underscored that the formation of the DRC is a critical step in strengthening Pakistan’s disaster management framework and enhancing coordination between the Federal and Provincial Governments. He directed PDMAs to arrange stockpiles including vaccination of snakebites in view of ongoing Monsoon rain spells.The Minister also asked to conduct reinforcement regarding building codes and resilient infrastructure. He stressed that all relevant stakeholders must fulfill their roles with utmost responsibility to ensure the committee achieves its objectives. Senior officials from various Federal Ministries, NDMA, Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs), State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs), and representatives from the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), Pakistan Commission for Indus Waters (PCIW), National Highway Authority (NHA), Federal Flood Commission (FFC), Railways, and other relevant stakeholders participated in session. The Disaster Response Committee will convene regularly to monitor progress and address emerging challenges. NDMA, as the central coordinating body, will play a pivotal role in facilitating these efforts and ensuring alignment with national disaster management policies. *****
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