ISLAMABAD, Dec 23: President Pervez Musharraf on Saturday promulgated the

National Disaster Management Ordinance, paving the way for setting up of the National Disaster Management Commission.

The prime minister will be the commission’s ex-officio chairperson.

Other members include opposition leader in the Senate, opposition leader in the National Assembly, minister of defence, minister for health, minister for foreign affairs, minister for social welfare and special education, minister for communications, minister for finance, minister for interior, governor NWFP (for FATA), chief ministers of the provinces, AJK prime minister, chief executive of Northern Areas, chairman Joint Chief of Staff Committee or his nominee and representatives of civil society or any other person appointed by the prime minister.

The National Disaster Management Commission will lay down policies on disaster management, approve the national plan to be followed by the federal and provincial authorities.

The ordinance also provides for setting up the National Disaster Management Authority which will act as the implementing, coordinating and monitoring body for disaster management.—APP