The Emergency Response Committee (ERC), constituted on the directions of the Prime Minister of Pakistan to oversee national preparedness and coordinated response during Monsoon 2026, held its third meeting today at the National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC), National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Headquarters, Islamabad.
The meeting was chaired by the Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Professor Ahsan Iqbal, and attended by Chairman NDMA Lieutenant General Inam Haider Malik, HI(M) and senior officials of NDMA, representatives of relevant federal ministries and departments, and other key stakeholders.
The Committee reviewed preparedness measures undertaken by provincial disaster management authorities, including contingency planning, deployment of emergency response resources, coordination with district administrations, public awareness initiatives, and arrangements for timely response to any emerging emergency. The status of relief supplies, emergency communication mechanisms, evacuation planning, and inter-agency coordination was also reviewed.
Chairman NDMA briefed the Committee on the operational activities of the National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC), highlighting that the Centre continues to monitor weather developments round the clock through an integrated multi-hazard monitoring system and is issuing timely impact-based forecasts, advisories, and early warnings to all stakeholders.
The Committee directed all concerned departments to maintain a high state of readiness throughout the monsoon season. Particular emphasis was placed on strengthening coordination, ensuring uninterrupted communication among response agencies, protecting vulnerable communities and critical infrastructure, and maintaining the operational readiness of rescue and relief resources. The Committee also reviewed preparedness and contingency plans presented by the Ministry of Communications, Ministry of Power, and WAPDA
Addressing the meeting, Professor Ahsan Iqbal stressed the need for seamless coordination among all response agencies to facilitate timely decision-making and rapid mobilization of resources whenever required.
The meeting reaffirmed the commitment of the Emergency Response Committee to strengthening national coordination and ensuring a unified response mechanism for safeguarding lives, livelihoods, and critical infrastructure during Monsoon 2026.
