The Emergency Response Committee (ERC) has stressed the need for proactive planning during the 2026 monsoon season. It also called for seamless coordination among government agencies to reduce disaster risks. Furthermore, the committee aims to ensure timely preparedness and an effective national emergency response.
Committee Reviews Monsoon Preparedness Measures
The federal government formed the ERC following directives from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The decision came after a July 1 meeting on early warning systems and monsoon preparedness. Consequently, the committee will oversee national preparedness and emergency coordination throughout the 2026 monsoon season.
The committee includes federal ministers responsible for planning, climate change, communications, power, water resources, food security, information, and information technology.
Additionally, the secretaries of the relevant ministries, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) chairman, and the Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) chairman are members. Meanwhile, the NDMA will serve as the committee’s secretariat.
The ERC held its inaugural meeting at the NDMA headquarters on Friday through a video link. Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal chaired the session, which included Climate Change Minister Musadik Malik and senior officials.
Provinces Included to Strengthen National Response
During the meeting, the NDMA briefed participants on seasonal forecasts, recent incidents, and the country’s preparedness. Members also reviewed the national coordination framework for responding to monsoon-related emergencies.
Moreover, the committee approved the inclusion of all provincial chief secretaries as co-opted members. The decision aims to strengthen coordination between the federal and provincial governments.
The committee also warned that shrinking glaciers, drought conditions, and below-normal rainfall could threaten agriculture and food security.
Therefore, Ahsan Iqbal directed the Ministry of National Food Security and Research to work with the National Emergencies Operation Centre on long-term projections through 2027. Participants also pledged to maintain close coordination throughout the monsoon season.
