Pakistan’s lawmakers and federal ministers visited the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) headquarters, reviewed nationwide preparations for climate-related threats, and expressed strong support for enhancing institutional capabilities to better respond to climate-induced disasters.
A high-level delegation comprising members of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, federal ministers, and senior officials visited the NDMA headquarters to attend an important briefing session. Led by Member of National Assembly Ms. Munaza Hassan, the delegation included notable officials such as Federal Minister for Water Resources Mr. Mian Muhammad Mueen Wattoo, Minister for Science and Technology Mr. Khalid Hussain Magsi, Minister for Energy (Power Division) Mr. Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari, Minister for National Food Security and Research Mr. Rana Tanveer Hussain, Chairperson of the Federal Flood Commission Mr. Ather Hameed, and Secretary of the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Ms. Aisha Humera Moriani.
The Chairman of NDMA, Lieutenant General Inam Haider Malik, presented an extensive briefing to the committee members regarding the anticipated threats posed by the Monsoon 2025 season. He shared details on the national hazard outlook alongside the disaster management authority’s institutional and operational preparedness. He elaborated on NDMA’s operational framework, particularly highlighting the early warning systems in place, strategies for efficient resource mobilization, and the essential role played by trained disaster responders in mitigating the potential impact of natural hazards.
During the meeting, parliamentarians commended NDMA’s recent technological initiatives aimed at bolstering disaster monitoring and emergency response capacities. Specifically, they acknowledged innovations such as the Glacier Monitoring Portal, seismic alert system, and advanced public communication platforms. The delegation emphasized the urgent need to create a coherent federal framework to strengthen Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs) and District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs). They also recommended the establishment of a Special Resilience Fund as well as increased efforts towards engaging overseas Pakistanis in disaster preparedness and response initiatives.
Responding proactively, the NDMA proposed several concrete measures to further strengthen the nation’s disaster resilience strategy. These recommendations included heightened parliamentary support towards Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) interventions, the creation of a clearly defined, sustainable national resilience financing model, and enhanced collaboration and integration among federal, provincial, and community-level stakeholders.
The visit concluded on a positive note as parliamentary delegates reaffirmed their continuous support and commitment to empowering NDMA. The lawmakers pledged to take necessary legislative measures towards building a more resilient Pakistan capable of effectively facing climate-induced hazards and emergencies.
