National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) successfully conducted National Industrial Disaster Preparedness / Response Simulation Exercise (SimEx) today at the National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC), NDMA Headquarters, Islamabad. The exercise brought together key national and industrial stakeholders to evaluate and strengthen Pakistan’s preparedness and response capacity for industrial accidents involving hazardous materials.

The Exercise was designed to test and enhance contingency response plans across national, provincial, district, and industry levels, engaging all relevant responders and technical experts. It further assessed the effectiveness of existing emergency protocols, resource readiness, and coordination arrangements among government departments, emergency services, and industrial partners. Participants jointly reviewed preparedness measures, public awareness strategies, evacuation planning, and mechanisms for timely and coordinated action during industrial emergencies.

A significant aspect of SIMEX was the on-line participation by Lead Disaster Management Authorities and experts of friendly countries including Türkiye, Iran, Azerbaijan, and others. The international experts gave their input and shared knowledge about handling industrial related disasters.

Representatives from all Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs) and Rescue Services participated alongside leading national industrial organizations. Entities from the chemical, fertilizer, oil & gas, and FMCG sectors took active part in the Exercise. Senior observers from MoFA, MoCC, MoIP, MoDP, MoC, GHQ, PMD, POF Wah, FPCCI, PNRA and other relevant departments also attended the session.