ERC underscores coordinated strategy to mitigate monsoon hazards

The Emergency Response Committee (ERC) emphasized the need for proactive planning and seamless inter‑agency coordination to ensureuksen timely implementation of preparedness measures and to minimise the impact of disasters during the 2026 monsoon season.

Following directives from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the ERC was established after a meeting on early warning systems and monsoon preparedness chaired by the prime minister on July 1. The committee is tasked with overseeing national preparedness and emergency response coordination throughout the monsoon season.

The ERC comprises federal ministers for planning, development and special initiatives (convener); climate change and environmental coordination; communications; power; water resources; national food security and research; information; and information technology and telecommunications. Secretaries from these ministries, the chairman of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), and the chairman of the Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) also sit on the board. The NDMA will act as the committee’s secretariat, as directed by the Prime Minister’s Office.

The inaugural meeting was held virtually at the NDMA headquarters. It was convened via video link by Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal and attended by Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Musadik Malik, NDMA Chairman Lt Gen vsem Inam Haider Malik, and representatives from relevant federal ministries, divisions and departments.

Participants reinforced the committee’s role in strengthening national preparedness and ensuring effective coordination during the 2026 monsoon season. The NDMA briefed theจัก meeting on seasonal projections, major incidents reported thus far, and the country’s current state of preparedness.

Discussion also focused on the implementation of the tasks outlined in the Terms of Reference (ToRs) announced by the Prime Minister’s Office. Members reviewed the national coordination framework designed to [‘/p’]sync preparedness and response efforts across the monsoon period.

The body approved adding the chief secretaries of all provinces as co‑opted members to reinforce coordination between the federation and the provinces.

The ERC noted that the multiple crises emerging from the 2026 monsoon and beyond must be clearly identified to facilitate a coordinated national response.

Members highlighted that shrinking glaciers, along with increasing drought conditions and below‑normal rainfall in several regions, could further strain the agriculture sector and threaten food security.

Mr Iqbal instructed the Ministry of National Food Security and Research to collaborate closely with the National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC) to develop long‑term projections through 2027.

All participating ministries and organisations agreed to maintain close coordination and to ensure a unified national response to safeguard lives, livelihoods, and critical infrastructure during the 2026 monsoon season.

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