KP Introduces Modern Early Warning System for DisastersPakistan

Officials told her that the PDMA is active in all districts of the province to deal with natural disasters and to ensure an immediate response in any emergency. The authority’s toll-free helpline 1700 works round the clock to provide information and guidance to the public and to address complaints. As many as 185 safe camp sites have been identified across the province so that people can be shifted to safe places during emergencies.

Bilour was also briefed on the Humanitarian Response Facility at Jalozai, where relief supplies needed for immediate relief operations in emergencies are stored. She was given details of the digital compensation system for providing financial assistance to disaster-affected people, along with relief activities and rehabilitation projects.

According to officials, modern technology and an early warning system have been introduced so that natural disasters can be identified in time and losses kept to a minimum. The system is helping in timely decision-making and effective action in emergency situations, the briefing said.

On the occasion, Bilour described the Gender-Based Violence in Emergencies (GBViE) framework as an important and unique Pakistani initiative, the first of its kind in South Asia. She noted that the Prime Minister had presented the framework at COP29 as a national document. The framework promotes gender-sensitive preparedness and the protection of women, children and other vulnerable groups during disasters and emergencies, she said.

Bilour praised the overall performance of the PDMA, its institutional measures and its activities in public service. She said modern systems, better planning and coordinated liaison among relevant institutions are indispensable for dealing effectively with natural disasters, and that timely information, an effective strategy and immediate relief operations are of fundamental importance in protecting human lives and property in any emergency. She said all possible cooperation will be extended to make the PDMA stronger and more effective.