PM yet to convene NDMC meeting despite 3.5 years lapse

Despite a lapse of three-and-a-half years, Prime Minister Imran Khan is yet to convene to a meeting of the National Disaster Management Commission (NDMC), even as families perished in the Murree tragedy.

Earlier this month, tourists were left stranded in Murree as a snowstorm hit the hill-station. Without adequate supplies, and forced to seek shelter in their cars, many could not survive the dreadful night of January 7.

Many took the government and concerned authorities to task over the tragic incident which led to more than 20 deaths. Considering how the incident could have been prevented if things had been planned properly, there were many calls for action from various segments of the society.

Sources informed The Express Tribune that the chairman of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) met Prime Minister Imran after the Islamabad High Court (IHC) heard a case pertaining to the calamity in Murree.

Sources said that the NDMA chief requested the premier to convene a meeting of the NDMC.
It is commonly speculated that the prime minister is not convening the meeting because Leader of the Opposition Shehbaz Sharif, four chief ministers and chairman joint chiefs of staff committee (CJCSC) are also members of the commission.

Sources said that the agenda for NDMC’s meeting has been given to PM Office, but the commission members have not been notified about any event being convened.
The commission is responsible for taking decisions on disaster policy, funds and projects. It also decides on the disaster management force and institutional reforms.