Islamabad, 19th Feb 2020
Minister of Information & Broadcasting visit to NDRMF
Government seeks to secure Pakistan’s future. Pakistan is among the few developed countries to have an institution like National Disaster Risk Management Fund (NDRMF) stated by Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Information and Broadcasting Dr. Firdous Ashiq Awan, during her visit to NDRMF.
While briefing SAPM, CEO NDRMF, Lt Gen Nadeem Ahmed (retd) mentioned that NDRMF has planned to fund development projects in most vulnerable districts to disasters, all across Pakistan including other districts. He further mentioned that international development partners have also shown its interest to provide financial assistance to NDRMF for implementation of projects.
He apprised the minister that so far NDRMF has funded 19 projects worth 8331.41milliom focusing on flood protection, drought mitigation, landslide stabilization, rescue services, early warning systems and community-based disaster risk management with 70% NDRMF share worth 5974.14 million while 30% of the total project cost is borne by the fund implementing partners.
He also briefed the minister about Ecosystem Restoration Fund (ESRF), launched at COP25 in Madrid, Spain which has been placed within the NDRMF with an amount of $188 million earmarked for protection and rehabilitation of ecosystem, which will allow Pakistan to align itself with the global climate change agenda.
While addressing a joint news briefing along with NDRMF CEO, Lt Gen Nadeem Ahmed (retd) SAPM appreciated NDRMF for chalking out a pro-active strategy to overcome disasters, including drought, floods, and earthquakes. “The incumbent government is coordinating with provinces to make NDRMF more effective,” she also lauded Governments initiative to create ESRF under NDRMF, that would help restore ecosystem in-country, adding that the donors would fund these projects which is a sign of growing confidence of international development partners in the country with such initiatives.
The Minister expressed confidence and assured full support of the government in completion of various initiatives being undertaken by the Fund.
Speaking on the occasion, Lt Gen. Nadeem Ahmed (retd) said that development partners have assured to provide financial assistance to NDRMF for implementation of its projects and that the government was planning to introduce Risk Financing Strategy in coordination with provincial governments. He also appreciated the support extended by the Government in operationalizing the Fund and taking initiatives for strengthening Country’s resilience against disasters.
