Islamabad: The Emergency Response Committee (ERC), constituted by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, on Friday held its eighth consecutive session to assess the nationwide monsoon situation, review ongoing rescue and relief operations, and strengthen preparedness measures as fresh rainfall is forecast across northern and central Pakistan.
The meeting, held at the National Emergencies Operations Centre (NEOC) at NDMA headquarters, was chaired via video link by Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal, according to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).
Federal Minister for Water Resources Mian Muhammad Mueen Wattoo attended the session at NEOC, while Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain, Punjab Minister for Health and Emergency Services Khawaja Salman Rafique, provincial chief secretaries, NDMA chairman, senior federal officials, Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs) and other response agencies’ officials joined physically and virtually.
NDMA officials briefed the committee on the latest monsoon situation, including human and infrastructure losses, ongoing rescue and relief efforts, and rehabilitation work in affected areas.
The committee was informed that rainfall was expected in northern and central parts of the country, while isolated to scattered showers were also likely in southeastern Sindh, raising concerns over further weather-related emergencies.
The National Emergencies Operations Centre also presented an updated hydrological outlook and highlighted potential hazards associated with the continuing monsoon spell.
Participants were briefed on relief operations being carried out in coordination with national and international humanitarian partners to support communities affected by heavy rains and flooding.
The committee was further informed that population growth, changing agricultural patterns, climate variability and rising temperatures were placing increasing pressure on Pakistan’s water resources, underscoring the need for improved water management and climate resilience.
Reviewing response measures undertaken by federal ministries, provincial governments and district administrations, the committee acknowledged the efforts of emergency responders in protecting communities, restoring essential services and delivering relief assistance.
Emphasising the need for continued vigilance, the committee reiterated the importance of close coordination among all stakeholders to ensure a swift response to any emerging situation.
Ahsan Iqbal directed all concerned departments to maintain the current operational tempo, strengthen coordination mechanisms, continue proactive preparedness measures and accelerate relief and rehabilitation activities in rain-affected areas.