Islamabad: A meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Water Resources was convened at the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Headquarters to assess the implementation of the Committee’s recommendations and address the ongoing flood situation, water security, and irrigation challenges. Chaired by Senator Jam Saifullah Khan, the meeting highlighted the need for enhanced coordination and measures for effective flood management.
According to Senate of Pakistan, the meeting was attended by Senators Khalil Tahir, Poonjo Bheel, and Muhammad Aslam Abro. The parliamentary delegation was received by the Chairman of NDMA at the National Emergencies Operations Centre, where they were briefed on the authority’s disaster monitoring capabilities, including advanced portals and analytics tools. The delegation also learned about Disaster Lens – 2026, a technology initiative aimed at improving disaster risk assessment and decision-making.
The Chairman of NDMA emphasized the importance of interprovincial coordination in disaster management, noting that the Prime Minister has established an Emergency Response Committee to work with stakeholders for an effective monsoon response. Discussions also covered water storage initiatives, the need for improved water monitoring, and the adoption of modern irrigation technologies to enhance agricultural productivity and water conservation.
The Committee expressed concern over encroachments on waterways and called for strict measures to address the issue. The Secretary of the Ministry of Water Resources informed the Committee about a draft Flood Plain Regulations Act shared with provinces. The Committee also addressed the pressures on water resources due to population growth and climate change, emphasizing the need for technology-driven solutions.
The absence of the Secretary Irrigation from Sindh was noted with displeasure, and the Committee underscored the importance of consensus-based solutions for water distribution. The Chairman assured a national dialogue involving all stakeholders to address water-related issues. The Committee appreciated NDMA’s integration of technology in disaster management and subsequently visited its facilities to explore further opportunities for coordination and innovation.