Minister of Housing and Works Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada has called for provincial and state authorities to coordinate with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to ensure a prompt and effective response to the monsoon-related emergencies.

Chairing a meeting here in Islamabad on Saturday, he emphasized the formation of National Disaster Response Committee for strengthening country’s disaster management framework and coordination between the federal and provincial governments.

On this occasion, Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab and Sindh were instructed to continue surveillance of river water levels, eradicate encroachments on waterways and riverbanks, and ensure a state of readiness for potential flood emergencies.

In her remarks, Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Climate Change Romina Khurshid Alam directed PDMAs/SDMAs to develop standardized response plans for effective disaster management, which will subsequently be presented to the Prime Minister during next follow up meeting.

Chairman NDMA Lieutenant General Inam Haider Malik urged the relevant departments to secure critical infrastructure such as roads and communication networks against potential threats.