Islamabad (News Desk): Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar has called upon the international community to come forward and assist developing nations like Pakistan in dealing with the adverse impacts of climate change. He made these remarks during the inauguration of the National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC) in Islamabad on Thursday.
The Prime Minister commended the establishment of NEOC, which will facilitate coordinated efforts not only in responding to future natural disasters but also in reducing disaster risks and minimizing damages. He emphasized that climate change is a pressing challenge that will continue to affect future generations unless concrete actions are taken. Despite being a minor contributor to global carbon emissions, Pakistan remains one of the countries most affected by climate change.
Furthermore, the Prime Minister praised the collaborative efforts of all government institutions, particularly the National Disaster Management Authority, during the devastating floods of 2022. He recalled that nearly one-third of the country’s population was affected by the floods in 2022, resulting in estimated economic losses of 30 billion dollars. He also commended the role of the National Command and Operation Center (NCOC) in addressing both the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2022 floods.
The Prime Minister was informed that NEOC will serve as a central hub for all technological aspects related to climate change, disaster management, and predictive modeling for national emergencies. This groundbreaking initiative, the first of its kind in Pakistan and the region, has been locally conceived and will develop the capacity to predict future disasters with accuracy, including likely locations, timing, and damage intensity. It will facilitate a coordinated response and provide guidance to provincial and district-level disaster management authorities.
Recognizing the need for a platform that can monitor disasters and employ high-end technology to estimate vulnerable areas and coordinate support from global partners, NEOC aims to create a comprehensive national outlook in the form of a real-time National Common Operating Picture.
The ceremony was attended by national and international dignitaries who praised the Pakistani government for establishing NEOC in a record time, highlighting its multifaceted utility for mutual growth and the protection of strategic investments.