ISLAMABAD: The Emergency Response Committee (ERC), established on the directions of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to oversee national preparedness and coordinate response efforts during Monsoon 2026, held its third meeting at the National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC) of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) in Islamabad.
The meeting was chaired by Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal and attended by NDMA Chairman Lieutenant General Inam Haider Malik, senior NDMA officials, representatives of key federal ministries and departments, and other stakeholders.
The committee reviewed preparedness measures implemented by provincial disaster management authorities, including contingency planning, deployment of emergency resources, coordination with district administrations, public awareness campaigns, evacuation plans, emergency communication systems, and the availability of relief supplies.
During the meeting, the NDMA Chairman briefed participants on the operational activities of the National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC), highlighting that the centre is monitoring weather conditions around the clock through an integrated multi-hazard monitoring system. He said the NEOC continues to issue timely impact-based forecasts, advisories, and early warnings to relevant stakeholders.
The committee directed all concerned departments to maintain a high level of preparedness throughout the monsoon season. It emphasized strengthening coordination among response agencies, ensuring uninterrupted communication, safeguarding vulnerable communities and critical infrastructure, and keeping rescue and relief resources fully operational.
The meeting also reviewed preparedness and contingency plans presented by the Ministry of Communications, Ministry of Power, and WAPDA.
Addressing the participants, Professor Ahsan Iqbal stressed the importance of seamless coordination among all relevant agencies to enable timely decision-making and the rapid deployment of resources whenever needed.
The committee reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing national coordination and ensuring a unified response mechanism to protect lives, livelihoods, and critical infrastructure during the ongoing monsoon season.
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