Islamabad: In a significant move to bolster regional disaster resilience, the Pakistan National Disaster Management Authority (Pak NDMA) engaged in key discussions with Thai disaster management officials during the 5th Board of Trustees meeting of the Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC) in Thailand.

According to Press Information Department, the Pak NDMA delegation, led by Chairman Lt Gen Inam Haider Malik, participated actively in the meeting aimed at enhancing disaster preparedness and response across Asia. The discussions focused on sharing knowledge, building capacity, and devising joint strategies for disaster risk reduction.

During their visit, the Pak NDMA team toured the Thai Military Department of Development and Disaster Relief Training Center and the Thai Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department’s Emergency Operation Center. These visits facilitated an exchange of ideas and best practices in anticipatory actions for disaster management, a priority for both nations given their vulnerability to natural calamities.

Chairman Malik highlighted Pakistan’s current role as the chair of the International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG) for the Asia Pacific region for 2024. He emphasized the potential for Pakistan and Thailand to strengthen ties through shared learning and cooperative strategies, particularly in implementing anticipatory actions tailored to each country’s specific hazard profiles.

The discussions also covered the creation of partnerships with donors and financial institutions to fund climate resilience projects and the proposal for joint simulation exercises designed for search and rescue teams. Additionally, Malik extended an invitation to members of the ADPC board of trustees and Thai disaster management teams to visit NDMA headquarters in Pakistan to view the capabilities of Pakistan’s National Emergency Operation Center.

This collaborative initiative marks a proactive step toward improved disaster management cooperation between Pakistan and Thailand, aiming to enhance the effectiveness of regional disaster response and preparedness measures.