NDMA Showcases Disaster Management Capabilities to Foreign Diplomats and Pakistani Envoys

ISLAMABAD: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) hosted a high-level strategic appraisal session at its National Emergencies Operations Centre (NEOC) for foreign diplomats and Pakistani ambassadors, showcasing the country’s modern disaster management capabilities and efforts to strengthen regional and international cooperation.

According to an NDMA press release, the delegation included Heads of Mission and senior diplomats from Tajikistan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Oman, Spain, Bangladesh, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Jordan, Indonesia, Germany, Hungary, Japan, Thailand, Canada and Uzbekistan. More than 34 Pakistani ambassadors and heads of mission posted abroad also participated virtually through Zoom.

During the session, the NDMA presented the capabilities of the National Emergencies Operations Centre and highlighted Pakistan’s transition towards a proactive disaster management system aimed at reducing recurring disaster risks. Chairman NDMA Lieutenant General Inam Haider Malik briefed participants on initiatives designed to strengthen regional integration and promote a global disaster risk reduction approach.

The delegates were informed about the authority’s use of next-generation technologies to improve disaster early warning systems and enhance coordination among emergency responders and resource providers. NDMA also highlighted its coordination mechanisms with national leadership, provincial governments, academia, humanitarian organizations and international partners.

The strategic briefing focused on localized risk communication, anticipatory disaster response, national resource mobilization and international coordination to ensure timely foreign assistance during emergencies. Participants were also given a demonstration of “Disaster Lens 2026” and comprehensive international simulation exercises designed to improve disaster preparedness and response.

Representatives of the National Disaster Risk Management Fund (NDRMF) attended the session in person, while officials from COMSTECH, the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), the Commonwealth and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) joined virtually. Representatives of these organizations emphasized the importance of regional cooperation, knowledge sharing and joint efforts to strengthen resilience against climate change and other complex disasters.

The visiting diplomats commended the NDMA’s advanced disaster management framework and operational capabilities. Participating countries also expressed interest in expanding cooperation with Pakistan in disaster risk reduction, emergency response and institutional capacity building to address emerging global challenges.