ISLAMABAD: The federal government’s Emergency Response Committee (ERC) on Sunday reviewed Pakistan’s preparedness and response measures for the ongoing Monsoon 2026 season, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening disaster management and inter-agency coordination across the country.
The committee, formed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on July 1 and headed by Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal, held its fifth meeting at the National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC) at the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) headquarters in Islamabad.
Ahsan Iqbal chaired the meeting via video link. Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Dr. Musadik Masood Malik, Federal Minister for National Food Security Rana Tanveer Hussain, and Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja also participated online. NDMA Chairman Lieutenant General Inam Haider Malik, senior NDMA officials, representatives of provincial disaster management authorities (PDMAs), and other stakeholders attended the meeting in person.
The committee reviewed the implementation of monsoon preparedness measures by provincial authorities, including the availability of relief supplies, emergency communication systems, evacuation plans, response readiness, and coordination among relevant departments.
Participants were informed that the overall river flood situation remains under control, with water flows in major rivers currently within safe limits. However, authorities are continuing round-the-clock monitoring of weather systems, river levels, and vulnerable areas to ensure timely early warnings and a quick response to any emergency.
Dr. Musadik Masood Malik stressed the important role of district and local administrations in disaster preparedness and emphasized the need to use all available resources to ensure timely dissemination of early warning messages.
Ahsan Iqbal appreciated the preparedness efforts of all stakeholders and highlighted the need for close coordination among federal, provincial, and district institutions for effective decision-making and rapid deployment of resources. He also directed the relevant departments to maintain a high level of preparedness throughout the monsoon season and ordered an audit of flood mitigation projects carried out after previous floods, with a report to be presented at the next committee meeting.
The meeting reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to improving national coordination, enhancing preparedness, and ensuring an effective response to protect lives, livelihoods, and critical infrastructure during the monsoon season.
During the briefing, NDMA officials said that from June 26 to July 25, monsoon-related incidents across Pakistan claimed 97 lives and left 297 people injured. Most fatalities were caused by the collapse of houses, roofs, and walls, with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa reporting the highest number of casualties, followed by Punjab.
Officials further informed the committee that 130 rescue operations had been carried out, 3,841 people were evacuated to safer locations, and 219 tonnes of relief supplies were distributed through the coordinated efforts of NDMA, PDMAs, and partner organizations.
