Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif convened a high-level meeting today in Islamabad to discuss national preparedness ahead of the anticipated monsoon season, announcing the formation of a special committee to handle potential emergency situations.
Chairing the meeting, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of proactive measures, directing all relevant institutions to maintain a state of heightened readiness. Radio Pakistan reported that Shehbaz Sharif specifically instructed the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to collaborate closely with provincial governments and other stakeholders to mitigate the impact of monsoon-related disasters.
Highlighting the need for effective communication, the Prime Minister stressed the dissemination of timely advisories to residents in vulnerable areas, ensuring they are informed about potential risks and necessary precautions. He also called for daily updates through media channels, particularly targeting farmers and communities residing near rivers and canals.
Officials briefed the meeting on weather forecasts, indicating heavy monsoon rains expected across all provinces, starting from the first and second weeks of July. The weather pattern is anticipated to progress from southeast to northward throughout the country. Specific regions, including Potohar and eastern Punjab in the first week of July, and Karachi, Mirpur Khas, Nawabshah, Sukkur, and Hyderabad later in the month, are expected to experience significant rainfall.
The briefing further outlined the expected duration of monsoon activity in different regions, ranging from active spells in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa until the third week of the following month, to intermittent heavy rains in coastal and border areas of Sindh and Balochistan throughout July.
In response to the forecasted conditions, preparations have been underway, with rescue agencies, including NDMA, Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs), and Pakistan Army units, placed on high alert. NDMA has launched a mobile application to provide real-time updates on weather conditions and alerts to the public.
A comprehensive National Monsoon Contingency Plan has been distributed to relevant authorities and provincial governments to streamline emergency response efforts.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif concluded the meeting by reaffirming the government’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property during the monsoon season, urging all stakeholders to remain vigilant and prepared for any exigency.
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