Shehbaz Sharif orders stronger coordination with provinces as NDMA continues relief operations in flood-hit areas.
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday directed the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to utilize all available resources to provide maximum assistance and relief to people affected by floods across Pakistan.
The prime minister issued the directives during a meeting with NDMA Chairman Lieutenant General Inam Haider Malik, who briefed him on the prevailing weather situation, particularly the flood situation caused by monsoon rains.
According to a press release issued by the Prime Minister’s Office Media Wing, the prime minister stressed the need for effective and coordinated relief efforts to minimize the difficulties faced by flood-affected communities.
Shehbaz Sharif also directed the NDMA to maintain close coordination with relevant provincial authorities and Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs) to ensure that relief operations are carried out efficiently in affected areas.
During the meeting, the NDMA chairman briefed the prime minister on the latest weather and flood situation across the country. He also provided an update on ongoing relief operations and measures being taken for the rehabilitation of people affected by the floods.
The chairman said the NDMA, with the cooperation of the federal government, would continue relief operations in flood-affected areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
The prime minister appreciated the authority’s efforts and emphasized the importance of using modern technology to improve disaster response and relief operations.
He particularly appreciated the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and modern technology at the National Emergencies Operations Centre, noting the importance of technology-driven monitoring and decision-making during emergencies.
The meeting comes as monsoon rains continue to pose risks of flooding and related emergencies in different parts of the country. The government has directed relevant institutions to remain prepared and ensure timely assistance to affected populations.
The prime minister reiterated that all available resources should be utilized to protect lives and provide relief to affected families, while coordination between federal and provincial institutions should remain a priority throughout the ongoing emergency response.