Pakistan has fully activated its early warning system for natural disasters, enabling predictions up to 10 months in advance and potentially reducing damage by 45%, according to National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Chairman Inam Haider Malik.
Speaking at a Public Accounts Committee (PAC) meeting chaired by Junaid Akbar, Malik revealed that Pakistan is now connected to 277 satellites, providing comprehensive monitoring capabilities for potential natural disasters.
"This system allows us to forecast natural disasters 6 to 10 months before they occur," Malik told the committee. "Implementation of this technology could reduce future disaster-related damages by up to 45%."
During the briefing, which reviewed NDMA's audit reports for 2022-23, Malik disclosed that Pakistan suffered losses of approximately $30 billion from the 2022 floods. He noted that the international community had pledged minimal financial assistance and delivered even less actual aid, while simultaneously demanding Pakistan develop an internationally standardized disaster management system.
When committee member Omar Ayub questioned the allocation of NDMA's 30 billion rupee grant, officials explained that funds were used for relief operations, reconstruction efforts, and maintaining essential supply stocks including medicines, tents, and machinery. Officials also highlighted the establishment of a think tank called the National Emergency Center.
The meeting revealed misuse of a $300,000 grant from the Asian Development Bank, which NDMA reportedly spent on earthquake victims in Turkey and Syria. The PAC expressed displeasure and requested a report within one month.
Additionally, the committee noted concerns about NDMA's direct award of a 1.89 billion rupee contract to the National Logistics Cell (NLC) for constructing the National Emergency Operation Center building without competitive bidding. The PAC has demanded clarification on this matter.
The meeting also reviewed audit objections related to the Ministry of Communications.
