ISLAMABAD, Oct 08 (APP): Chairman National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Lieutenant General Inam Haider Malik on Sunday urged all federal and provincial stakeholders to collaborate closely to reduce disaster risks, enhance preparedness, and establish swift response mechanisms, given our vulnerabilities, through the usage of the latest technological tools.
In his message, Chairman NDMA on the occasion of “National Resilience Day” celebrated every year on October 8th said, “We commemorate this occasion with a mission and commitment to advance national preparedness by improving and increasing the nation’s resilience to natural and human-induced threats.”
Pakistan, he said is facing changing climatic conditions and frequent recurrence of unpredictable and extreme events.
In order to meet these challenges, NDMA is 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 recent time with the formulation of the National Disaster Risk Reduction Policy and National Disaster Management Plan but still, we have to go very far by implementing these policies and plan in their true letter and spirit.
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 Disaster Management System in Pakistan is 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.
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 a common operating picture enabled by multiple satellite feeds, software, and Artificial intelligence tools that are expected to strengthen digital risk assessment, early warning systems, and preparedness strategies.
National Resilience Day prompts us to embrace best practices and implement policies and strategies aimed at fortifying our nation’s resilience.
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.
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.
On this occasion, I express our 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. I also call 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.
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.
