Ambassadors and senior representatives of ASEAN member countries visited National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Headquarters, where Chairman NDMA delivered a comprehensive briefing on Pakistan’s disaster management framework and avenues for enhanced regional cooperation. The visit underscored Pakistan’s extending engagement with ASEAN countries and its commitment to strengthening partnerships for disaster risk reduction and resilience building.
The visiting delegation included H.E. Mr. Rongvudhi Virabutr, Ambassador of Thailand and Chair of the ASEAN Committee in Islamabad; H.E. Dato Mohammad Azhar Mazlan, High Commissioner of Malaysia; H.E. Col. (Rtd.) Pengiran Haji Kamal Bashah Pengiran Haji Ahmad, High Commissioner of Brunei; H.E. Mr. Wunna Han, Ambassador of Myanmar; H.E. Mr. Pham Anh Tuan, Ambassador of Vietnam; and Mr. Rahmat Hindiarta Kusuma, Minister Counsellor, Embassy of Indonesia.
During the visit, Chairman NDMA briefed the distinguished guests on NDMA’s evolving role as the lead national coordinating body for disaster management in Pakistan, highlighting the Authority’s emphasis on preparedness, early warning, and coordinated response mechanisms and present Pakistan and Global Disaster Lens for 2026. Discussions focused on strengthening mutual collaboration in disaster management through capacity building, knowledge sharing, and joint preparedness initiatives to enhance regional resilience against natural and climate-induced hazards.
Chairman NDMA emphasized the need for establishing a Shared Disaster Portal between Pakistan and ASEAN countries to facilitate real-time data exchange, early warning dissemination, and coordinated response during emergencies. He also highlighted the importance of technology exchange in disaster management, noting that the integration of innovative tools and digital platforms plays a critical role in effective disaster risk reduction and response.
Presenting NDMA’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Disaster Management, Chairman NDMA offered it as a collaborative hub for ASEAN member states for joint training programs, specialized courses, and simulation exercises. He stated that the CoE would provide tailored training modules for ASEAN countries, promoting standardized approaches to disaster risk reduction, preparedness, and emergency response across the region.
The meeting concluded with a shared understanding to further strengthen cooperation between Pakistan and ASEAN countries in the field of disaster management, reaffirming the collective commitment to enhancing preparedness, resilience, and coordinated response through sustained institutional collaboration.