ISLAMABAD:Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi says experience should be utilized to fine tune the disaster management strategies and put in place an efficient and effective mechanism in line with best international practices.
Chairing the 5th meeting of National Disaster Management Commission in Islamabad today, he said that climate change coupled with various other factors has increased the frequency of disasters and therefore called for higher level of preparedness and institutional response to meet these challenges.
The meeting reviewed the progress on decisions of the previous NDMC meetings.
It granted ex-post facto approval to NDMC for compensation of over 104 million rupees to the affectees of LoC firing.
The meeting also ratified provision of relief and aid to the friendly countries in various disasters.
The meeting approved the Pakistan School Safety Framework, which will serve as a model for the provinces to ensure safety and disaster risk reduction.
It also approved a proposal for putting in place a cohesive disaster management legislation and institutional framework through merger, repealing or reconfiguring the existing laws and organizations related to the disaster management.
It was also approved to place NDMA under the Prime Minister's Office.
It was decided to create a model National Disaster Response Force, as a pilot project, at the Federal Capital level by utilizing the human resource available with other organizations associated with disaster and relief management.
The meeting decided to strengthen aviation wing of Ministry of Interior for providing aviation support to NDMA during its rescue and relief efforts.
On the occasion, Chairman NDMA Lt Gen Omar Mahmood Hayat presented an overview of disaster management context, evolution, achievements and challenges faced by the Authority. He also apprised the meeting about the contributions of the NDMA towards providing relief and rescue efforts during emergencies in various foreign countries. APP/AFP