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ISLAMABAD: The Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco) is integrating space-based applications into its disaster risk management framework, paving a path anchored in science and international collaboration to better prepare for natural calamities, a senior official said on Monday.
The agency aims to change the country’s disaster response from reactive to proactive, said Suparco’s member for technology Zafar Iqbal at the launch of the ‘Space-based Disaster Management — Shifting Focus from Reactive to Proactive Approaches’ training in Islamabad.
“These tools are used to enhance early warning systems and support national policies and authorities on disaster preparedness as mitigation and adaptation advance together as twin priorities,” Mr Iqbal said.
He stressed the importance of readiness before a crisis occurs.
“The challenge before us is not only to respond to disasters after they occur, but more importantly, to strengthen preparedness and resilience before they strike,” Mr Iqbal said.
“By harnessing satellite data, remote sensing, and geospatial tools, we can monitor risks in advance, identify vulnerable areas, and support decision-makers with timely, actionable information.” He added that such strategies save lives, protect infrastructure and ensure that scarce resources are deployed more effectively.
Published in Dawn, September 30th, 2025
Amin Ahmed is an Islamabad-based correspondent for Dawn with nearly two decades of experience in the field. He reports on socio-economic development, agriculture, and privatisation, as well as parliamentary committees.
