Disaster risk reduction: Pakistan, Russia for enhancing cooperation

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Russia have strongly stressed the need for enhancing cooperation in disaster risk reduction, emergency preparedness, and humanitarian response.

A high-level Russian defence delegation, led by Lieutenant General Oleg Ivanovich Iskuskov, Deputy Chief of the National Defence Management Centre, expressed these views here on Wednesday during a visit to the National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC) at National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Headquarters.

The delegation included Colonel Koliuzhin Nikolai Nikolayevich, Deputy Chief of Department; Colonel Davydova Elena Aleksandrovna; Colonel UlzutuevEvgenii Vladimirovich; and Captain Inkov Denis Olegovich.

During the visit, the delegation was briefed on the operational capabilities of the NEOC and NDMA’s evolving disaster management framework. Team NDMA, led by Chairman NDMA, Lieutenant General Inam Haider Malik, presented Pakistan’s transition towards proactive disaster risk management through the integration of advanced technologies, anticipatory planning, and data-driven decision-making to enhance national resilience against natural and human-induced hazards.

Chairman NDMA highlighted various initiatives undertaken by NDMA to strengthen disaster preparedness, improve early warning mechanisms, and enhance coordination among federal, provincial, and international stakeholders. He also shared NDMA’s vision for leveraging next-generation technologies to develop more accurate Disaster Early Warning (DEW) systems and improve coordinated response mechanisms during emergencies.

The delegation was briefed on NDMA’s institutional coordination framework, including its engagement with national leadership, provincial authorities, humanitarian partners, academia, and international organizations. The discussion highlighted Pakistan’s efforts in localized risk communication, anticipatory action planning, resource mobilization, and international coordination for effective disaster response.

During the session, the delegation was also shown “Disaster Lens 2026” and briefed on the Comprehensive International Simulation Exercises (CISE), showcasing Pakistan’s commitment to enhancing preparedness and strengthening disaster response capabilities through innovation and collaboration. The Russian delegation appreciated NDMA’s modern disaster management approach and operational capabilities.

The visit concluded with a reaffirmation of the importance of strengthening institutional linkages and promoting collaborative efforts to address emerging challenges associated with climate change and complex disasters.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026