ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar on Thursday inaugurated newly established ‘National Emergencies Operation Center’ (NEOC) at the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Headquarters in Islamabad.
Commending NEOC establishment, Prime Minister Kakar it will play a vital role in coordinating efforts to manage natural disasters effectively, reduce disaster risks, and mitigate damages in the future. Stressing the significance of disaster-resilient infrastructure and policy frameworks, he noted that despite being a minimal contributor to global carbon emissions, Pakistan is among the countries most impacted by climate change. He emphasized the urgency of addressing climate change, stating, “Climate change is a genuine challenge that will continue to affect future generations unless we take concrete steps.”
The Prime Minister also praised the coordinated response of all state institutions, particularly NDMA, during the devastating floods of 2022. He pointed out that nearly one-third of the country’s population was affected by the floods, resulting in estimated economic losses of USD 30 billion. He called on the world to step forward and assist developing nations like Pakistan in coping with the adverse effects of climate change. Kakar also commended the National Command and Operation Center (NCOC) for its roles in managing both the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2022 floods.
During a briefing, the premier was informed that NEOC would serve as a central hub for all technological aspects related to climate change, disaster management, and predictive modeling for national emergencies. This pioneering capability, the first of its kind in Pakistan and the region, will develop the capacity to predict future disasters accurately, including likely locations, timing of impact, and damage intensity. It will facilitate a coordinated response, guiding provincial and district-level disaster management authorities.
Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar in a group photo with NDMA’s team after the inauguration of National Emergencies Operation Center (NEOC). pic.twitter.com/n9hR5oe1nh
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) October 5, 2023
NEOC’s Real-Time Coordination for Disaster Response
The need for a platform like NEOC arose from the necessity to create a national framework for disaster monitoring using high-end technology. It will assess vulnerable areas, identify gaps, and coordinate global support through a real-time National Common Operating Picture.
Chairman NDMA, Lieutenant General Inam Haider Malik, conducted the briefing session for the Prime Minister, who attended as the chief guest. The ceremony was attended by national and international dignitaries, including Ambassadors, UN organizations’ country heads, global NGOs, Pakistani academia, and experts. They appreciated Pakistan’s rapid development of NEOC and its potential for mutual growth and the protection of strategic investments.
