ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORTER
Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, Dr. Musadik Malik, chaired a high-level meeting of the Prime Minister’s Committee tasked with examining the damages caused by recent floods in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).
The meeting was attended by Federal Minister for Water Resources Mian Muhammad Moeen Watto, Chairman NDMA Lieutenant General Inam Haider Malik, and Chief Secretary AJK Mr. Khushal Khan, along with senior officials from relevant departments and agencies.
The committee was briefed on the initial ground assessment of flood damages in AJK, including the estimated costs required for rehabilitation and infrastructural repairs. Chairman NDMA informed the committee that a comprehensive national survey and audit of total damages and associated costs will be conducted to ensure a data-driven and transparent approach.
During the meeting, Dr. Musadik Malik recommended adopting a triangulated damage assessment methodology involving the Government of AJK, the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) AJK, and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). He emphasized the need to bring technical experts on board to derive a more accurate and locally contextualized estimate for infrastructure restoration costs.
The committee agreed that this coordinated approach would help streamline decision-making, ensure transparency, and enable the preparation of a well-informed report.
The Prime Minister’s Committee will reconvene in the coming days to finalize its findings and recommendations, which will be presented to the Prime Minister for necessary action and resource allocation.
