LAHORE: Country Director of the World Food Programme (WFP) Pakistan Anita Hirsch met with Director General Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab Muhammad Saif Anwer Jappa on Friday and discussed strengthening disaster preparedness, emergency response and relief operations in the province.
The meeting focused on disaster management, preparedness for natural disasters, timely emergency response, climate change-related risks, protection of vulnerable communities and disaster risk management.
Jappa welcomed the WFP delegation, which included Dr Amara Khan, Head of the Punjab Office, and other officials.
The DG briefed the delegation on measures being taken by the Punjab government to strengthen disaster preparedness and emergency response, besides providing relief and essential assistance to people affected by disasters. The meeting also discussed enhancing cooperation between the PDMA and the WFP to strengthen the province’s future disaster management and response capacity. Both the sides expressed their commitment to further improving ongoing collaboration and joint efforts to enhance resilience and ensure timely assistance to affected populations.
A PDMA spokesperson said the meeting also reviewed measures for improving future disaster response capacity, ensuring timely action and providing effective assistance to affected communities. The WFP reiterated its resolve to continue cooperation with the Punjab government in disaster management.
Jappa said effective coordination and a unified strategy among relevant agencies were essential for managing disasters. He said, in line with the directives of the Chief Minister of Punjab, measures were being taken to further strengthen preparedness and ensure timely response to potential natural disaster threats.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026