PR No. 259 EMERGENCY RESPONSE COMMITTEE HOLDS 6TH MEETING TO REVIEW MONSOON PREPAR

The Emergency Response Committee (ERC), constituted by the Honourable Prime Minister on 1 July 2026 to oversee national preparedness and ensure a coordinated response during Monsoon 2026, held its sixth meeting today at the National Emergencies Operations Centre (NEOC), NDMA Headquarters, Islamabad. The Committee, comprising eight Federal Ministers and chaired by the Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, continues to provide strategic oversight of preparedness and response efforts across the country.

The meeting was convened by the Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Professor Ahsan Iqbal, who chaired the session via video link. Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, Dr. Musadik Malik; Federal Minister for Power, Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari; Federal Minister for Water Resources, Mian Muhammad Mueen Wattoo; and Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain, attended the meeting at NDMA Headquarters. Chairman NDMA, Lt Gen Inam Haider Malik, HI (M), senior officials of NDMA, and representatives of relevant federal ministries and departments also participated.

The Committee was briefed on the latest hydrological outlook indicating that a fresh monsoon weather system is expected to affect Pakistan from 29 July to 5 August 2026, bringing widespread rainfall, including isolated heavy falls, across Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Jammu & Kashmir, Balochistan, Punjab, and Sindh. The participants were informed that the system may trigger rapid rises in major river flows, medium to high flows in the River Chenab and associated nullahs, flash flooding in hill torrents and seasonal streams, and urban flooding in vulnerable cities.

Member (Operations), NDMA, informed the Committee that the National Situation Report is being compiled daily based on inputs received from all provinces and regions. From 26 June to 28 July 2026, a total of 109 fatalities and 362 injuries have been reported nationwide. House, roof, and wall collapses remained the leading cause of fatalities, with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa reporting the highest number of casualties, followed by Punjab. The Committee was further informed that 148 rescue operations had been conducted, during which 4,111 people were evacuated to safer locations through the coordinated efforts of NDMA, Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs), and partner agencies.

The participants emphasized the importance of maintaining close coordination among federal ministries, provincial governments, district administrations, and response agencies to ensure the timely implementation of preparedness and response measures. The meeting underscored the need for continuous monitoring of vulnerable areas, effective dissemination of early warning information, and proactive public awareness to safeguard communities exposed to monsoon-related hazards.

The Committee directed all concerned departments to remain on high alert and ensure the availability of emergency resources, rescue equipment, relief supplies, and uninterrupted essential services in vulnerable areas. Particular emphasis was placed on strengthening coordination at the district level, expediting response efforts where required, and ensuring the timely dissemination of weather advisories and public safety information. Chairing the meeting, Professor Ahsan Iqbal directed that the Chief Secretaries of all provinces, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu & Kashmir shall attend future meetings of the Emergency Response Committee to further strengthen coordination, facilitate timely decision-making, and ensure effective implementation of preparedness and response measures at the provincial level.

The Emergency Response Committee reaffirmed the Government's commitment to protecting lives, livelihoods, and critical infrastructure through coordinated preparedness, timely decision-making, and an effective national response throughout the ongoing monsoon season. NDMA will continue to monitor the evolving situation through the National Emergencies Operations Centre and maintain close coordination with all stakeholders to ensure a unified and proactive response.