Emergency response committee set up

PM orders swift emergency response to monsoon risks

ISLAMABAD:

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Wednesday, directed federal and provincial authorities to intensify preparations for the upcoming monsoon season, ordering the establishment of a national emergency response mechanism and stressing that coordinated action is essential to mitigate the growing risks posed by climate change.

Chairing a high-level meeting to review monsoon preparedness and climate resilience, the prime minister said Pakistan remained among the countries most vulnerable to the adverse impacts of climate change and stressed that effective and comprehensive cooperation between the federation and the provinces was critical to address climate-related disasters.

The prime minister also approved the formation of an 'Emergency Response Committee' which would be headed by the minister for Planning and Development.

The committee, comprising the NDMA and representatives of relevant federal ministries, will work in close coordination with the provincial authorities and hold weekly meetings throughout the monsoon season to monitor preparedness and response efforts, PM Office Media Wing said in a press release.

The prime minister also asked the minister for finance to complete advance arrangements for an emergency fund that could be mobilized in the event of severe monsoon-related disasters.

Danish Schools

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday, directed the relevant authorities to expedite completion of Danish Schools across Pakistan and announced that a technology (Tech) campus of Danish University would be established in Muzaffarabad, describing the education initiatives as a major investment in the country's future.

Chairing a review meeting on the progress of Danish Schools and Danish University, the prime minister termed these institutions as among the country's most important national assets.