ISLAMABAD: The seventh session of the Emergency Response Committee was convened to review national preparedness during the ongoing monsoon spell.
A statement issued here said that on the directions of the prime minister, the daily session of the Emergency Response Committee (ERC) was continued at the National Emergencies Operations Centre (NEOC), NDMA Headquarters.
The meeting was chaired via video link by the federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Professor Ahsan Iqbal.
Federal Minister for Power, Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari, attended the meeting at NEOC, while Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, Dr Musadik Malik, Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain, Federal Minister for Water Resources, Mian Muhammad Mueen Wattoo, Provincial Minister for Health and Emergency Services Punjab, Khawaja Salman Rafique, chief secretaries of the provinces and regions, chairman NDMA, senior officials of relevant federal ministries, Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs), and other response agencies participated through physical and virtual attendance.
Chairman NDMA and team NEOC briefed the committee on the overall monsoon situation, presenting a comprehensive summary of recent incidents, their impact in terms of human and infrastructure losses, ongoing rescue and relief operations, and the progress of rehabilitation efforts across the affected areas.
The National Emergencies Operations Centre (NEOC) also presented the latest hydrological situation and impending associated hazards.
The committee reviewed the response measures undertaken by federal ministries, provincial governments and district administrations, and acknowledged their efforts in safeguarding communities, conducting rescue operations, providing relief assistance and restoring essential services in affected areas.
The participants reiterated the importance of maintaining close coordination among all stakeholders to ensure a timely and effective response to any emerging situation.
The convener directed all concerned departments to sustain the current operational momentum, ensure uninterrupted coordination, continue proactive preparedness measures, and expedite relief and rehabilitation activities wherever required.
Published in Dawn, July 31st, 2026
