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KARACHI: The Sindh government is considering a comprehensive reorganisation of disaster management, rescue, and emergency response services with the objective of establishing a unified, efficient, and responsive institutional framework across the province.
In this regard, a high-level meeting was presided over by Sindh Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah to review the proposed framework for integrating and strengthening emergency and disaster response mechanisms in the province.
The meeting was attended by the Additional Chief Secretary Home Muhammad Iqbal Memon, Karachi Commissioner Syed Hassan Naqvi, Secretary Local Government Waseem Shamshad Ali, Secretary Rehabilitation Bilal Ahmed Memon, Secretary Health Tahir Hussain Sangi, Director General Sindh Building Control Authority Muzammil Hussain Halepoto, Director General Rescue 1122, DG Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), CEO Sindh Integrated Emergency Health Services (SIEHS), representatives of the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC), and other senior officers of relevant departments.
During the meeting, a detailed briefing was given on the existing structure of emergency and disaster response services in the province, highlighting the roles of the PDMA, Rescue 1122, municipal fire brigade services, SIEHS, Directorate of Civil Defence, Relief Commissioner, and other auxiliary support institutions. The briefing also identified operational gaps, overlapping mandates, and coordination challenges that affect timely and effective emergency response.
The chief secretary emphasised that the primary objective of the proposed reorganisation is to ensure swift decision-making, a unified command structure, and improved coordination among all emergency response entities. The proposed framework aims to adopt a proactive disaster management approach, strengthen institutional capacity, and enhance public safety through better preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery mechanisms.
He also stated that following comprehensive consultations and further refinement of the proposed framework, a formal and well-structured proposal will be placed before the Sindh Cabinet for consideration and approval.
Published in Dawn, February 7th, 2026
