Balochistan reviews emergency plan ahead of monsoon
QUETTA: Balochistan Chief Secretary Shakeel Qadir Khan chaired a meeting to review an emergency plan for the upcoming monsoon season to address potential urban flooding and other floods, and to respond to forest fires and heat waves.
The meeting assessed the province’s preparedness for the monsoon season. The chief secretary directed all relevant departments to accelerate preparations to ensure an effective response to heavy rains, urban flooding, and other emergencies. He stressed that preventive and administrative measures in sensitive areas must be implemented in a timely manner to address any untoward situation.
He said timely planning, effective coordination and public awareness could significantly reduce potential losses. He also urged citizens to “adopt precautionary measures” and follow government advisories according to weather conditions.
Referring to forest fires in recent years in districts such as Sherani, Musakhail and Zhob, he instructed the departments concerned to strengthen preventive arrangements to control wildfires. He directed that safety measures, including digging trenches to prevent the spread of fire, must be ensured. He also ordered the activation of the heat wave response plan to ensure a swift and effective reaction during extreme temperatures.
Directing all commissioners and deputy commissioners to remain on alert, he instructed provincial and district administrations to maintain full readiness in line with the evolving weather situation.
The chief secretary noted that the Rakshan, Makran and Nasirabad belts experienced higher temperatures; therefore, hospitals must be fully equipped with medicines and medical facilities during the heat waves.
He also emphasised intensifying public awareness campaigns so that citizens could effectively follow precautionary measures issued by the government.
During the meeting, the director general of the Provincial Disaster Management Authority gave a detailed briefing on preparedness measures.
Published in Dawn, May 17th, 2026
