PM chairs 5th NDMC meeting; disaster response force to be created at federal capital level

ISLAMABAD (APP): A model National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) would be created, as a pilot project, at the federal capital level by utilizing the human resource available with other organizations associated with the disaster and relief management.

It was decided during the 5th meeting of National Disaster Management Commission (NDMC) held here at the PM Office on Wednesday with Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi in the chair.

The meeting was attended by the Leaders of the Opposition in National Assembly and Senate, Minister for Climate Change, Minister for Defence, Foreign Minister, Minister for National Food Security and Research, Minister for Water Resources, Adviser to PM for Finance, Minister of State for Information, Broadcasting, National History and Literary Heritage, Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Chief Minister Gilgit-Baltistan, Prime Minister AJK, Minister for Disaster Management Punjab, Minister for Rehabilitation Sindh, Chairman NDMA and senior officials.

Lt Gen Omar Mahmood Hayat, Chairman National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), presented an overview of disaster management context of the country, evolution of disaster management authority, achievements made so far and the challenges faced by the NDMA in responding to emergency situations and taking measures for disaster risk reduction and effective response mechanism.

He also apprised the meeting about the contributions of the NDMA towards providing relief and rescue efforts during emergencies in various foreign countries. The Prime Minister in his remarks said that climate change coupled with various other factors had increased the frequency of disasters and therefore called for higher level of preparedness and institutional response to meet these challenges.

He said that past experience should be utilized to fine-tune disaster management strategies and put in place an efficient and effective mechanism in line with best international practices. The meeting reviewed the progress on decisions of the previous NDMC meetings.

The meeting granted ex-post facto approval to NDMC for compensation of Rs 104.20 million to the affectees of the Line of Control firing. Relief/aid provided to the friendly countries during various disasters was also ratified during the meeting.

The meeting approved the Pakistan School Safety Framework (PSSF). The framework would serve as a model for the provinces to ensure safety and disaster risk reduction.

The meeting also approved a proposal for putting in place cohesive disaster management legislation and institutional framework through merger, repealing or reconfiguring the existing laws and organizations related to the disaster management.

In order to overcome bureaucratic delays and improve efficiency and effectiveness of the NDMA, it was also decided, in principle, to place NDMA under the Prime Minister’s Office.

The meeting also discussed various proposals for capacity enhancement of the NDMA. It was also decided to strengthen Aaviation Wing of the Ministry of Interior for providing aviation support to NDMA during its rescue and relief efforts.