Staff Reporter
Islamic Relief Pakistan in collaboration with National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) conducted a National Consultation on Framework for addressing the harrowing impacts of drought in different areas of Pakistan. The event was held in Islamabad on Tuesday.
Chairman National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Lieutenant General Muhammad Afzal, Country Director Islamic Relief Pakistan, Mr. UmairHasan, Member DRR NDMA, Mr. IdreesMehsud along with representatives from national and provincial governments, academia, civil society and media personnel attended the event.
The consultation agenda was to bring all stakeholders on board under the National Climate Change Policy for adopting adaptation strategies and ensuring a coordinated emergency response in times of disasters. A drought framework of Balochistan was also presented at the occasion by Islamic Relief Pakistan highlighting the need of integrated planning.
Chairman National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Lieutenant General Muhammad Afzal in his address said that “Droughts in Balochistanleft serious impacts on lives of the people. Due to lack of long term planning and strategic direction we are facing these threats. NDMA is working on approaches to mitigate cyclic droughts and provide long term solutions.”
Country Director, Islamic Relief Pakistan, Umair Hasan emphasized on the need of a National Call to Action to address the threats and challenges posed by climate change which in past wreaked havoc on the people of Pakistan especially Balochistan.
He said “Islamic Relief has partnered with governments to strengthen the coping mechanisms against natural calamities which has significantly helped in making our communities resilient and prepared.”
“We believe that through mutual collaboration and partnerships, we can better plan and respond to disasters in a coordinated way.”
