ISLAMABAD: Chairman National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Lieutenant General Inam Haider Malik HI(M) has said that Pakistan was facing changing climatic condition and frequent recurrence of unpredictable and extreme events.
In his message on “National Resilience Day”, he said that we commemorate the occasion with a mission and commitment to advance national preparedness by improving and increasing the nation’s resilience to natural and human induced threats.
Lt Gen Imam Haider said that to meet disasters caused by climatic challenges, NDMA was proactively working at reducing the vulnerability to disasters, and also providing coping mechanisms and framework for effective disaster management. The disaster management system in Pakistan has traveled a long way in the recent time with formulation of National Disaster Risk Reduction Policy and National Disaster Management Plan but still we have to go very far by implementing these polices and plan in their true letter and spirit, he added.
He said, “We have also made considerable progress in mainstreaming disaster risk reduction in development processes, which will no doubt lead to greater national resilience against potential disasters. Our expedition for resilience is consistent and we need to make our utmost efforts to realize the ideals.”
The chairman NDMA said that the Disaster Management System in Pakistan was currently undergoing a transformation, shifting from a reactive to a proactive approach. This represents a significant change in how we collectively address unexpected crises. In the past, the primary focus was on responding to emergencies after they had already occurred, often resulting in substantial loss of life and property. However, due to advancements in technology and a deeper understanding of natural disasters, Pakistan is now moving towards taking proactive measures, he maintained.
He said, “This transformation involves the establishment of a modern National Emergencies Operation Center (NEOC) at the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). The disaster NEOC is now capacitated to create common operating picture enabled by multiple satellite feeds, softwares, Artificial intelligence tools that is expected to strengthen digital risk assessment, early warning systems, and preparedness strategies.”
Imam Haider said that National Resilience Day prompts us to embrace best practices and implement policies and strategies aimed at fortifying our nation’s resilience. He said that our policy initiatives should encompass various sectors, including the resilient and safe development of infrastructure, improved disaster preparedness, poverty alleviation, safer spatial land use planning, adherence to building codes, efficient water resource management, sound agricultural practices, and increased afforestation nationwide, including coastal areas.
He said, “Given our vulnerabilities, I urge all federal and provincial stakeholders to collaborate closely to reduce disaster risks, enhance preparedness, and establish swift response mechanisms through usage of latest technological tools. It is of utmost important that we prioritize the welfare of vulnerable segments of our society, including women, children, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities in all our endeavors.”
He expressed gratitude for the invaluable support and assistance provided by the international community, civil society, and private philanthropy in bolstering our national response efforts during the recent mega flood disaster. He also called upon the international community to extend their utmost support to Pakistan in mitigating the adverse impacts of the climate change phenomenon that it disproportionately affects.
The chairman NDMA said, “We have, as a nation, witnessed the relentless force of nature through earthquakes, floods, cyclones, and other calamities. These events have tested our resolve, but they have also illuminated the remarkable spirit of unity, compassion, and resilience that defines us as a people. I firmly believe that, as we have done in the past, the people of Pakistan will continue to show their generosity by assisting their fellow citizens struck by disasters through their contributions and tireless efforts. May Allah guide and help us in building a strong and resilient Pakistan.”
