ISLAMABAD:Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar chaired a meeting on Pakistan’s assistance to Turkey and Syria earthquake victims and remodeling of National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), at Finance Division, today.

Federal Minister for Climate Change Ms. Sherry Rehman, SAPM on Finance Mr. Tariq Bajwa, SAPM on Revenue Mr. Tariq Mehmood Pasha, SAPM on Government Effectiveness Dr. Muhammad Jehanzeb Khan, Chairman NDMA Lt. Gen. Inam Haider Malik HI(M), Chairman FBR, Special Secretary Finance and senior officers from Finance and NDMA attended the meeting.

Chairman NDMA briefed the meeting through a presentation on the quantum of casualties in Turkey and Syria due to the deadly earthquake and immediate relief provided by Pakistan Government to support brothers and sisters in Turkey and Syria. Chairman NDMA also highlighted a comprehensive and timely relief plan consisting of cargos through air, road and sea routes for possible help from Pakistan Government for Turkey and Syria during this time of need. The meeting was apprised on the readiness of NDMA for quick support of their Turkish and Syrian brothers and sisters in the shortest time.

The Chairman NDMA also briefed the meeting on remodeling of NDMA on modern technological lines for quick and immediate response to disasters transforming NDMA from a reactive to a proactive organization in order to minimize the damages caused by the natural disasters in future. Finance Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar appreciated NDMA for its immediate response and relief work for distressed people affected in the devastating earthquake in Turkey and Syria.

He also appreciated the disaster preparedness responses and NDMA’s remodeling of disaster response to mitigate losses from future natural calamities. In conclusion, the Chairman NDMA thanked the Finance Minister for support.