By: Alisha Abid

The World Ambassador

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Islamabad, — The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has launched a comprehensive set of Inclusive Disaster Risk Management (DRM) Initiatives aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s commitment to accessible, equitable and people-centred disaster preparedness and response. The launch event, held at NDMA Headquarters, brought together senior government officials, development partners, humanitarian organizations and civil society representatives.

Developed by NDMA’s Gender & Community Cell (GCC) through extensive consultations with national stakeholders, the initiatives focus on improving support for groups disproportionately affected by disasters — including women, children, older persons, persons with disabilities, transgender persons and economically marginalized communities. The new measures align with national DRM policies as well as global commitments such as the Sendai Framework and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Chairman NDMA, Lt Gen Inam Haider Malik, emphasized the Authority’s continued dedication to ensuring inclusive access to disaster-related information, services and decision-making. Officials and partners were briefed on the strategic value of the three newly launched initiatives.

The first initiative, Inclusive Early Warnings, developed in collaboration with ADDTF and Deaf Tawk, introduces multi-format alert systems — including sign language videos, audio messages, visual cues and simplified texts — to strengthen preparedness and response for persons with disabilities and older individuals.

The second initiative, the Community Engagement and Accountability Framework supported by UNICEF, establishes a formal structure for two-way communication, feedback mechanisms and active community participation throughout all stages of the DRM cycle.

The third initiative, Revised National Policy Guidelines for Vulnerable Groups in Disasters, drafted with support from UN Women and the Asian Development Bank (ADB), updates national protocols to ensure inclusive planning, accurate data collection, equitable services and strengthened protection for marginalized populations.

During the event, stakeholders from federal ministries, NDMA, organizations of persons with disabilities (OPDs), women’s groups, child-focused bodies and civil society discussed the operational rollout and potential scaling of these initiatives across the country.

The ceremony concluded with a symbolic tree plantation by representatives of NDMA, MoCC&EC, NCSW and UNFPA, underscoring Pakistan’s commitment to climate-resilient and inclusive disaster management.

NDMA reaffirmed that these initiatives represent a significant step forward in building a more inclusive, accountable and resilient national DRM system — one founded on accessibility, participation and the protection of those most at risk.