Tag: NDMA

  • US Congressman expresses concern over the flood crisis in Pakistan

    US Congressman expresses concern over the flood crisis in Pakistan

    United States (US) Congressman Gregory W. Meeks has expressed sympathies and offered condolences over the loss of hundreds of lives due to the catastrophic situation of floods in Pakistan.

    Meeks, who is chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, held a meeting with Pakistan’s Ambassador to the US Masood Khan.

    During the meeting, Khan thanked Chairman Meeks for expressing solidarity with the flood victims, saying that the country is trying to deal with this natural catastrophe, reports Associated Press of Pakistan (APP).

    Khan also thanked the US for its financial assistance for the Pakistani flood victims and relief activities.

    Earlier, US Secretary Antony Blinken had announced $1 million to build resilience against natural disasters in addition to $100,000 in immediate relief for the flood victims of Pakistan.

    Meeks visited Pakistan in 2020. During the visit, he met Pakistani parliamentary and government leaders and members of civil society.

    On Thursday, the Pakistani government declared the ongoing flood situation in the country a “national emergency”. 

    At least 937 people have died in floods caused by heavy rains in Sindh and Balochistan provinces.

    According to the data issued by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), 234 people have lost their lives to rain and flood-related incidents in Balochistan and 306 people have lost their lives in Sindh. 165 people have lost their lives in Punjab and 185 have lost their lives in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).

  • Pakistan sends aid to earthquake-stricken Afghanistan

    Pakistan sends aid to earthquake-stricken Afghanistan

    The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Thursday dispatched relief supplies for the earthquake victims in Afghanistan on the special directives of Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif.

    Details indicate that the NDMA dispatched a shipment containing family tents, tarpaulins, blankets, and emergency medications, according to the NDMA spokesperson.

    “Pakistan has assured all possible support to ameliorate the sufferings of the Afghan people affected by the 6.1 magnitude earthquake which hit parts of Afghanistan on Wednesday, (June 22, 2022)”, it said.

    The relevant authorities were told on Wednesday by the PM Shehbaz Sharif, to assist Afghanistan when necessary. The PM expressed his grief over the earthquake in Afghanistan that claimed innocent lives in a message posted on his Twitter account. He said, “People in Pakistan share the sorrow and grief of their Afghan brethren.”

    Additionally, Imran Khan, a former minister, gave instructions to his KP government to arrange for medical facilities for the affected people in the neighbouring nation.

    Mahmood Khan, the chief minister of KP, has instructed the chief secretary and the health minister to send medical teams and aid to the nation’s earthquake-affected regions in accordance with orders from Imran Khan.

    A 6.1-magnitude earthquake that struck Afghanistan early on Wednesday left 950 people dead, and more than 600 injured. The death toll is expected to rise as news from isolated mountain villages trickles in, according to a report by Reuters.

    Images posted on Afghan media showed houses in ruins and bodies lying on the ground covered in blankets.

    According to Salahuddin Ayubi, an official with the interior ministry, helicopters were used in the rescue effort to transport food and medical supplies to the injured.

    The earthquake on Wednesday was the deadliest since 2002. The US Geological Survey (USGC) reported that it struck about 44 kilometres (27 miles) from the southeast Afghan city of Khost, close to the Pakistani border.

  • Murree, other districts finalise fresh emergency plan ahead of upcoming rain and snow

    Murree, other districts finalise fresh emergency plan ahead of upcoming rain and snow

    The administration of Rawalpindi district, which includes Gujar Khan, Kahuta, Kallar Syedan, Kotli Sattian, Murree, Rawalpindi Tehsil, and Taxila has finalised a fresh contingency plan ahead of the upcoming rain and snow that is forecasted for the hilly areas from Tuesday, January 18, and Thursday, January 20.

    The Meteorological Office has asked all departments to make appropriate arrangements ahead of the snowfall and rain in the region.

    Additional deputy commissioner and three assistant commissioners have been deployed in Murree to avoid another tragedy.

    According to the new plan, much of the focus will be on snow removal and traffic management. Entry in the hill station will be regulated which means not more 8,000 vehicles will be allowed to enter.

    In addition, the probe committee, which is expected to submit its report to Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar on January 16, is now camped out at the Punjab House in Islamabad.

    Earlier this week, The Islamabad High Court (IHC) declared National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) responsible for the Murree tragedy which killed 23 people, including children due to carbon monoxide poisonous gas in their cars.

  • Court declares NDMA responsible for Murree tragedy

    Court declares NDMA responsible for Murree tragedy

    The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has declared National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) responsible for the Murree tragedy which killed 23 people, including children due to carbon monoxide poisonous gas in their cars.

    The NDMA Chairman is Lieutenant General Akhtar Nawaz since 2020.

    During the hearing, the court asked the NDMA whether a letter had been written to the Opposition leader to call a meeting of the commission. At this, the official said the Opposition leader had not asked them to call a meeting, reports Geo News.

    “You have failed, it was your responsibility to call a meeting, you were responsible for providing a national management plan to the area,” the justice told the management member.

    Justice Minallah said that had the NDMA ensured that everyone followed the law, such incidents would not have happened.

    It is also revealed that NDMA held its last meeting on March 28, 2018. To this court chief Justice Athar Minallah questioned that, “It is a powerful body. How come no meeting took place since 2018.”

    The court ordered Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan to call a meeting of the commission next week and directed the NDMA member to submit a report on the incident by next Friday.

    The hearing was called because of a petition by Hammad Abbasi, a Murree resident. According to him, on their way to Murree neither were they stopped and nor were they warned of the danger.

  • Rs40 billion irregularities detected in PM’s Covid package, reveals audit report

    Rs40 billion irregularities detected in PM’s Covid package, reveals audit report

    Pakistan gave in to the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) pressure by releasing the audit report of expenditures incurred on Covid-19, disclosing over Rs40 billion irregularities in operations, reports Shahbaz Rana for The Express Tribune.

    “The release of the report by the Ministry of Finance is one of the five prior actions that the IMF has asked Pakistan to implement if it wants to get the $1 billion loan tranche by January next year.”

    “The finance ministry issued Rs314 billion less supplementary grants from the prime minister’s (PM) stimulus package due to which citizens of Pakistan could not avail the complete benefit of the announced package resulting in suffering, economic hardship, and many private factories laying off their workers during Covid-19 process,” revealed the report.

    “Against Rs200 billion promised to daily wagers, only Rs16 billion were distributed among them. The vulnerable families were promised Rs150 billion but given Rs145 billion.”

    Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP)

    “The maximum irregularities of over Rs25 billion were found against Rs133 billion spent under the banner of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), which was equal to 19 per cent of its spending.”

    The BISP utilised Rs133.3 billion during the fiscal year 2019-20 and 13.1 million beneficiaries were paid.

    The audit observed Rs6.6 billion payments to relatively better-off 484,402 beneficiaries due to the absence of any clear policy which needs to be addressed before making any related future payments.

    “Over Rs16 million payments of Covid-19 cash transfers were made to those beneficiaries who had filers’ status and were well-off. There was also a case of withdrawal of Covid-19 cash grants from both BISP and Zakat by the same beneficiaries worth Rs318.7 million.”

    National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)

    “The National Disaster Management Authority’s spending was Rs22.8 billion and the auditors raised a red flag on Rs4.8 billion or around 21 per cent of the spending.”

    “The auditors found mis-procurement on account of the installation of Resource Management System (RMS) by the NDMA with Rs42.5 million cost. A million-dollar loss was caused to the public exchequer on account of the purchase of ventilators at higher rates and China donated $4 million for the construction of 250 beds Isolation Hospital and Infections Treatment Centre (IHITC), but the money was never used. There were cases of overpayment to Chinese firms on account of the procurement of ventilators.”

    “The NDMA did not impose liquidated damages on supplier firms causing a loss of Rs2.7 billion and $8.3 million.”

    Utility Store

    “The AGP pointed out Rs1.4 billion loss due to irregular and ill-planned procurement of sugar. Another loss of Rs1.6 billion was caused due to irregular procurement of ghee/cooking oil and non-availability of fitness certificates of ghee/oils worth over Rs1.4 billion.”

    “The Rs323 million loss was caused due to non-observance of prescribed flour specifications and another expense of Rs1.7 billion incurred without laboratory test reports. The USC also made excess claim subsidies by increasing the profit ratio on account of the purchase of sugar.”

    Defence

    “The Rs200 million Covid-19 funds were diverted towards the clearance of liabilities and procurement of normal cardiac medicines. During an audit of Combined Military Hospital Rawalpindi, it was observed from the record that PPE items of the same specifications were purchased at higher rates by ignoring the lowest rates available in the comparative statement of tenders.”

    “The Rs235 million irregular payment was made to Pakistan International Airlines without fulfilling the required formalities against shipment of exactly the same commodity required to be transported through the armed forces’ service aircraft.”

    Other departments

    “The audit observed that the procurements of nine items had been made at higher rates causing a loss of Rs7 million. There were also cases of non-delivery of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) by UNICEF having the value of Rs1.3 billion. The Rs10 million discrepancy was found in cases of transportation and food items for passengers returning from abroad, handled by deputy commissioner Islamabad.”

  • PM Khan, CM Buzdar, Babar Azam and others extend prayers after powerful quake jolts Balochistan

    PM Khan, CM Buzdar, Babar Azam and others extend prayers after powerful quake jolts Balochistan

    Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan, Chief Minister Punjab Usman Buzdar, captain of Pakistan cricket team Babar Azam along with other cricketers and politicians have extended their prayers after a powerful earthquake of 5.9-magnitude hit several cities of Balochistan early Thursday morning.

    Taking to Twitter, PM Khan directed all federal departments to fully assist the Balochistan government in provision of relief to the earthquake victims.

    Prime Minister said the federal government will extend all possible assistance to Balochistan government in this difficult hour.

    CM Buzdar said that he is saddened by the loss of life and property caused by the earthquake in Balochistan.

    “In this hour of sorrow, we stand with our brothers and are ready to assist the Balochistan government in every possible way in rescue activities,” he said in a tweet.

    “Terrible to wake up to this sad news. Prayers with the lovely and brave people of Balochistan. I hope and pray that the situation remains under control with immediate rescue efforts. Stay safe and strong, Balochistan,” said Babar while extending his prayers on Twitter.

    Other cricketers also extended their prayers and wishes on Twitter.

    President Dr Arif Alvi expressed grief and sorrow over the loss of lives in Harnai, Balochistan.

    In a tweet, he condoled with the bereaved families and prayed for the departed souls.

    A strong earthquake in different parts of Balochistan killed at least 20 people and injured more than 300 others.

    According to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), most of the deceased are children.

    The quake affected Quetta, Sibi, Harnai, Pishin, Qila Saifullah, Chaman, Ziarat and Zhob in Balochistan. The magnitude of the quake was measured at 5.9 on the Richter scale.

    Meanwhile, Chief Minister Balochistan Jam Kamal Khan shared a helpline number on Twitter for complaints and assistance.

    He also shared the pictures of the rescue mission by the government departments and Pakistan Army.

  • Army called to assist govt in dealing with Karachi flooding

    Army called to assist govt in dealing with Karachi flooding

    Pakistan Army has been called to assist the civil administration in dealing with the urban flooding situation in the business hub of the country, announced the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

    According to the military’s media wing, the armed forces have been summoned in the city to assist the civil administration in dealing with the urban flooding situation.

    Separately, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Chairman Lieutenant General Muhammad Afzal called on Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Thursday after Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan tasked him to clean rain-hit Karachi.

    According to the CM House spokesman, the meeting was also attended by Local Government Minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah.

    They discussed the situation developed in the city in the aftermath of the two-day rainfall that saw urban flooding in parts of the city.

    It is pertinent to mention here that  Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday asked NDMA to extend help in cleaning rain-battered Karachi.

    Taking to Twitter, the prime minister directed the NDMA chairman to reach Karachi immediately and oversee the cleanliness drive.

    “I have asked the Pak Army to also help in cleaning up the city,” he said.

    Sindh Minister Saeed Ghani at that time responded to the move saying that he does not know why the premier has asked Pakistan Army to assist the cleanliness of the metropolis.

  • KYA BOLA? (Jul 22): ‘Noon League pr aitebaar nahi’ to ‘Baadal mein chaand nahi’

    KYA BOLA? (Jul 22): ‘Noon League pr aitebaar nahi’ to ‘Baadal mein chaand nahi’

    Following are some snippets that stood out from Urdu newspapers on July 22, 2020, which The Current takes no responsibility for.

    ‘Noon League pr aitebaar nahi’

    It was reported by Daily Jang senior leader of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), Aitzaz Ahsan has said, “Noon League pr aitebaar nahi, apni party ko bhi raaye doonga k in se bach kr rahein.”

    The statement comes at a time when the two largest opposition parties, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and PPP, are in talks to work out a strategy and take entire opposition on board to get rid of the current government.

    ‘Lagta hai NDMA khatam krna parrayga‘

    According to Daily Jang, Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Gulzar Ahmed, while hearing the coronavirus suo motu case, has said,“NDMA arbon rupay kaisay kharch kr raha hai? Lagta hai idaara khatam karna paray ga.”

    The Supreme Court (SC) was criticising the National Disaster Management Authority’s (NDMA) failure to ensure transparency in expenditures pertaining to the coronavirus pandemic and locust control.

    ‘Baadal aur chaand’

    It has been reported by Daily Dunya that Federal Minister for Science and Technology Fawad chaudhary has said, “Baadal hain tou chaand kaisay nazar aaye ga? Ruet App pr dekhein, chaand nazar ayega.”

    His statement came as the tussle between the Science & Tech Ministry and the Ruete Hilal Committee, which is now witnessed at least twice every year over moon-sighting methods, began on Tuesday. Zilhaj moon was not sighted and Eidul Azha is to be celebrated on August 1 in Pakistan.

  • Supreme Court criticises NDMA over lack of transparency in expenditure

    Supreme Court criticises NDMA over lack of transparency in expenditure

    The Supreme Court (SC) has criticised the National Disaster Management Authority’s (NDMA) failure to ensure transparency in expenditures pertaining to the coronavirus pandemic and locust control.

    A five-member bench of the apex court, headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Gulzar Ahmed, heard the coronavirus suo moto case, during which the CJP suggested abolishing the NDMA over the authority’s failure to explain its expenses.

    NDMA has yet to submit crucial documents, observed the CJP. “Where are the documents permitting imports of machinery from Al-Hafeez Crystoplast (Pvt) Ltd?” he asked. The CJP also inquired why the documents have not been submitted despite directives being issued thrice in this regard. Where are the details pertaining to chartering the aircraft and its payments, he asked further.

    The director of NDMA maintained before the court that the authority did not import machines from Al-Hafeez company.

    The owner of the company has yet to appear, noted the CJP. The real issue is non-compliance with customs and other laws, he remarked.

    Meanwhile, Justice Ijazul Hasan noted that the cost of the machinery has not been disclosed in the documents.

    Over Rs10.7 million was paid for the charter, observed the CJP. How were the payments made according to the charter agreement, he asked. How can someone give this much cash in Karachi, asked the CJP.

    Where are the documents pertaining to imports of vaccine and the medicines, asked the CJP

    The relevant authorities will have to satisfy the court, said the Attorney General.

    The CJP observed that it appeared that the NDMA would have to be abolished as its chief has failed to provide explanations.

    Perhaps a lot has gone wrong and attempts are being made to cover up, observed the CJP. Should contempt of court notices be issued to the NDMA chief, he asked.

    The institutions of the country should be run in a transparent manner, said the chief justice.

    The NDMA was given a free hand and hefty amounts to deal with the coronavirus pandemic, said Justice Hasan. The authority is answerable to the court and the people, he added.

    The NDMA is acquiring planes and machinery for locust control, noted the CJP. Transparency will have to be ensured through documents and not just verbal statements, he remarked, adding that it was not comprehensible how billions of rupees were being spent.

    From corona to floods to locusts, everything has been handed over to the NDMA, remarked Justice Hasan. But the NDMA’s admin member himself does not know anything, he added.

  • Coronavirus equipment to US was sent by armed forces, not govt: Lt Gen Muhammad Afzal

    Coronavirus equipment to US was sent by armed forces, not govt: Lt Gen Muhammad Afzal

    National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) chief Lieutenant General Muhammad Afzal has clarified that the personal protective equipment (PPE) sent to the United States (US) as a gesture of solidarity amid the coronavirus pandemic, was by the country’s armed forces and not the government, Dawn reported.

    The consignment of PPE arrived at Andrew Air Force Base (AFB), Maryland Via C-130 flight from Islamabad, Pakistan.

    Pakistan’s Ambassador to the US, Dr Asad Majeed Khan, and senior officers of the embassy’s defence wing were present at the airport.

    Acting Assistant Secretary of Defence for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs David Helvey with other American officials were also present on the airbase.

    On the occasion, Ambassador Khan referred to the cordial ties between the people of two countries and their armed forces.

    He said that armed forces of both countries fought together in the global war on terrorism and would stand together in the fight against COVID-19 too.

    The Pakistani envoy said that it was a manifestation of the longstanding and close cooperation between the armed forces of both countries, particularly in dealing with the natural calamity.

    The equipment has been handed over to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for delivery to the US Armed Forces.