Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal has expressed the determination to ensure a coordinated response to any emergency situation arising out from the monsoon rains.

Chairing the third meeting of National Disaster Response Committee (NDRC) here in Islamabad on Wednesday, he instructed the provincial departments to implement advance measures to deal with any emergency like situation.

Ahsan Iqbal said there is an urgent need for a coordinated action plan to tackle the climate risks. He said the role of National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) is crucial to ensure effective response to emergencies.

The Minister said provincial departments should manage all needs including snakebite vaccination in a timely manner in view of monsoon rains.

Meanwhile, addressing an event here in Islamabad on Wednesday, the Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal said Pakistan and China have always stood by each other in difficult times, forging an exceptional iron-clad bond.

He said despite the test of time and shifts in the international landscape, our all-weather strategic cooperative partnership has flourished.