Islamabad :
Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Plan (NDMP) was formulated with the assistance of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in year 2013.
One of the major components of NDMP is the National Capacity Building to respond to challenges of Disaster Management. Towards that end, in continuation of a MoU between Government of Pakistan, Economic Affairs Division (EAD) and Government of Japan since 2005.
In this regard the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), NDMA and EAD signed on 31st March 2005 Record of Discussion regarding Japanese Grant in Aid Technical Cooperation project entitled “Capacity Development of Disaster Management in Pakistan”, today. The Pproject having duration of three and half years shall be implemented through Grant of Japanese Government.
The Signing Ceremony was held at NDMA between NDMA, JICA and EAD. Chairman NDMA, Major General Asghar Nawaz, Chief Representative JICA Pakistan Office Mr. Mitsuyoshi Kawasaki and Joint Secretary (Japan), Economic Affairs Division (GoP) Syed Mujtaba Hussain signed the Record of Discussion.
The Project will facilitate in promoting and strengthening cohesive capacity building program in Pakistan and would substantiate to upscale the capacities of National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM) which is an auxiliary arm of NDMA.
Besides that NDMA has suggested that the Project should include “Strengthening National Emergency Operation Center (NEOC) and strengthening of disaster management information system for NDMA and PDMAs. This aspect is being considered for inclusion in the scope of Project during study/planning phase.
Chairman NDMA welcomed the JICA Delegation and lauded its role towards the contributions made in field of disaster management. He also thanked the GOJ for its cooperation and timely assistance towards implementation of some significant interventions of NDMP which includes capacity building initiatives and improvements in the flood forecasting & warning system across the Country. These undertakings mark enduring and sustainable relationship between Pakistan and Japan.
Mr. Mitsuyoshi Kawasaki thanked NDMA for cooperation in further enhancement of resilient capacities for disaster management. He hoped that the Project is one of the initial step for further cooperation in future.
Both sides also agreed that NDMA, the counterpart to JICA, will be responsible for the implementation of the Project in cooperation with JICA, coordination with other relevant organizations and further ensure that the Project is self sustained after implementation.