PR No. 228 Emergency Response Committee Holds 5th Meeting to Review Monsoon Prepa

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 fifth meeting today at the National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC), National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Headquarters, Islamabad.

Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Professor Ahsan Iqbal, chaired the meeting via video link. Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, Dr. Musadik Masood Malik, Federal Minister for Industries and Production, Rana Tanveer Hussain, and Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, also joined the meeting via video link. Chairman NDMA, Lieutenant General Inam Haider Malik, HI(M), along with senior officials of NDMA, representatives of relevant federal and provincial departments, and other key stakeholders, attended the meeting at NDMA Headquarters, Islamabad.

The Committee reviewed the implementation status of preparedness measures undertaken by Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs) and other relevant departments. Provincial representatives presented updates on the availability of relief supplies, emergency communication mechanisms, evacuation planning, response readiness, and inter-agency coordination to ensure timely and effective response during the ongoing monsoon season.

During the meeting, participants were briefed on the prevailing hydrological situation across the country. The Committee was informed that the overall riverine flood situation remains normal, with water flows in the major rivers currently within safe limits. However, in view of the ongoing monsoon spell, continuous monitoring of weather systems, river flows, and vulnerable areas is being maintained to ensure timely dissemination of early warnings and prompt response to any emerging situation.

Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, Dr. Musadik Masood Malik, emphasized the pivotal role of District and Local administration in strengthening disaster preparedness and response. He stressed that timely dissemination of early warnings must be ensured utilizing all available resources.

Professor Ahsan Iqbal appreciated the preparedness efforts undertaken by all stakeholders and underscored the importance of seamless coordination among federal, provincial, and district-level institutions to facilitate timely decision-making and rapid mobilization of resources whenever required. He directed all concerned departments to maintain a high level of preparedness and continue close coordination throughout the monsoon season.

The meeting reaffirmed the Emergency Response Committee's commitment to strengthening national coordination, enhancing preparedness, and ensuring a unified and effective response mechanism to safeguard lives, livelihoods, and critical infrastructure during Monsoon 2026.