K-P moves towards disaster risk reduction

PDMA policy to counter wide range of challenges and vulnerabilities

PESHAWAR:

The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has embarked on an initiative to enhance the province’s resilience against potential disasters.

In a landmark move, the PDMA, with support from GIZ, has commenced the development of K-P’s Disaster Risk Reduction (DDR) Policy. The inaugural ceremony, held at the PDMA Headquarters in Peshawar, was chaired by PDMA Director General Muhammad Qaisar Khan. ASP GIZ Head Johanna Knoessand and GIZ Senior Policy Advisor Frank Schnider represented their organisation, while stakeholders and officials from PDMA attended the event.

The forum unanimously agreed that the forthcoming policy would be comprehensive, covering a wide range of challenges and vulnerabilities faced by the province. Scheduled to be drafted within a stringent timeline of six months, the policy reflects the unwavering commitment of authorities towards safeguarding the lives and livelihoods of the populace.

Muhammad Qaisar Khan delivered his welcome comments at the forum, expressing gratitude for the support received for managing various disasters, including natural, manmade and climate-related events.

He emphasised the global responsibility in tackling climate change and praised Gender and Child Cell for taking the lead on the formulation of the new DDR Policy. This initiative aims to provide comprehensive guidance on disaster management.

The policy is not only focused on disaster mitigation, preparedness, and response, but also emphasises the inclusion of all societal segments, especially women, people with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups.

He thanked GIZ for their contributions and expressed hope for continued collaboration with the same enthusiasm in the future.

Johanna Knoess expressed her gratitude for the swift and effective launch of the DDR Policy by the PDMA.