ISLAMABAD (special crosspondent) – In order to oversee national preparedness and a coordinated response during the Monsoon 2026 season, the Prime Minister constituted the Emergency Response Committee on 1st July 2026, comprising eight Federal Ministers and headed by the Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives. The committee has now convened for its fifth meeting to review ongoing monsoon preparedness and institutional response mechanisms.

Committee Oversight at NDMA Headquarters

The committee held its fifth meeting today at the National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC) at the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) headquarters in Islamabad. Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Professor Ahsan Iqbal, chaired the session via video link. The meeting saw participation from Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, Dr. Musadik Masood Malik, Federal Minister for National Food Security, Mr. Rana Tanveer Hussain, and Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication, Ms. Shaza Fatima Khawaja. Chairman NDMA, Lieutenant General Inam Haider Malik, HI(M), along with senior officials and provincial representatives, attended the session in person to discuss the progress of climate-resilient policies and disaster management frameworks.

Progress Review and Hydrological Assessment

The committee reviewed the implementation status of measures undertaken by Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs) and other relevant departments. Provincial representatives presented comprehensive updates on the availability of relief supplies, emergency communication protocols, evacuation strategies, and inter-agency coordination efforts. Current hydrological assessments indicate that the overall riverine flood situation remains stable, with water flows in major rivers currently within safe thresholds. Officials emphasized that despite the current stability, continuous monitoring of weather systems and vulnerable regions remains a priority to ensure the effective dissemination of early warnings.

Strategic Directives and Infrastructure Audit

Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, Dr. Musadik Masood Malik, underscored the critical importance of district and local administration in bolstering disaster resilience, noting that authorities must leverage all available resources for early warning systems. Professor Ahsan Iqbal lauded the preparedness efforts of all stakeholders and highlighted the need for seamless integration between federal, provincial, and district-level institutions to facilitate rapid resource mobilization. Furthermore, Professor Ahsan Iqbal directed all departments to conduct an audit of flood mitigation projects executed in the aftermath of previous climate events, with a report to be presented during the committee’s next sitting.

Monsoon Statistics and Rescue Operations

The NDMA Member of Operations reported that a National Situation Report is now compiled on a daily basis. Data covering the period from 26 June to 25 July 2026 confirms 97 deaths and 297 injuries nationwide, with structural collapses—specifically houses, roofs, and walls—remaining the primary cause of fatalities. KP recorded the highest number of casualties, followed by Punjab. To date, 130 rescue operations have been successfully conducted, resulting in the evacuation of 3,841 individuals to safer locations, while 219 tons of relief goods have been coordinated and distributed through the efforts of the NDMA, PDMAs, and partner organizations.