Chairman National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Lt General Inam Haider Malik has emphasized Pakistan's commitment to enhancing its disaster management systems, improving early warning mechanisms and building capacity for rapid response.

He was addressing the inaugural session of the two-day INSARAG Asia-Pacific Regional Conference commenced in Islamabad today.

The National Disaster Management Authority of Pakistan is hosting the conference being the Regional Chair of the International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG).

This year, on 17 January, 2024, NDMA assumed the chair of INSARAG, reinforcing its leadership role in regional disaster management efforts.

In his speech, Chairman NDMA Lt General Inam Haider Malik highlighted the importance of INSARAG's mandate and stated that INSARAG's mandate of promoting cooperation, coordination, and standardization in search and rescue efforts across the globe remains vital.

He said the NDMA had proposed a strategic initiative to unify disaster response efforts within the country, ensuring a cohesive and robust approach to disaster management.

The conference is being attended by fifty-five delegations from China, Russia, Australia, South Korea, Turkiye, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines, Japan, Bangladesh, Nepal and global networking and humanitarian organizations.

The other participants included representatives government departments, country directors of UN organizations in Pakistan, representatives of NGOs and international NGOs and media persons.

INSARAG is a global network dedicated to enhancing international disaster response, strengthening preparedness through Urban Search and Rescue practices. INSARAG sets global standards to ensure teams are fully equipped for action during disasters.

INSARAG Global Lead, Winston Chang, UN Resident Coordinator Mohamed Yahya also addressed the opening session.