Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Wednesday expressed strong appreciation for the National Disaster Management Authority's comprehensive approach to mitigating disaster risks across Pakistan. During a detailed visit to the NDMA headquarters in Islamabad, the minister was briefed on the authority's ongoing operations and strategic initiatives.
Integrated Strategy for National Resilience
The minister specifically highlighted the authority's integrated strategy for disaster risk reduction, which focuses on several key pillars. He praised the NDMA's emphasis on fostering innovation, improving coordination between different agencies, and basing its plans on solid evidence and data. Naqvi acknowledged the critical work done by the NDMA to strengthen the country's preparedness and its mechanisms for responding to emergencies at a national level.
Enhancing Readiness Through Civil Defence
To build on these efforts, Mohsin Naqvi put forward a significant proposal. He suggested that disaster preparedness modules should be incorporated into the standard training curriculum of the civil defence forces. Furthermore, he advocated for the formulation of joint course strategies in collaboration with the Civil Defence Academy. This move is seen as a practical step to further enhance the nation's overall readiness for calamities.
The interior minister also reaffirmed the existing policy framework, stating clearly that all disaster management activities within the federal capital territory will continue to operate under the direct supervision of the NDMA.
Visit to the Centre of Excellence
Later during his visit, Minister Naqvi toured the NDMA's Centre of Excellence for Climate Change and Disaster Management. He took the time to review the centre's multifaceted contributions, which are vital for building a more resilient Pakistan. The centre's work primarily focuses on three areas:
- Specialized training programs for officials and responders.
- Research initiatives to better understand disaster patterns and climate impacts.
- Capacity-building projects aimed at empowering institutions and communities.
This visit underscores the government's recognition of the intricate link between climate change and the increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters, positioning the NDMA as a key institution in addressing this national challenge.
