Emergency preparedness and management from national to local levels in Pakistan

This paper has made an attempt to analyse the emergency management and preparedness practices of Pakistan with focus on Baluchistan both at the community and organisational levels using key informant interviews, focused group discussions and discussions with organisations involved in disaster management process. It is revealed that disaster–related issues are handled at the provincial level focusing on reactive measures. The disaster management authorities have not extended the disaster management practices to the local levels. It was found that at district and union council levels, programmes and projects on disaster preparedness and emergency management planning are non–existent. It is strongly felt to have a mechanism under the National Disaster Management Authority to organise effective disaster response at all levels, starting from province to district and union councils. Improvements in the existing institutional framework for disaster management and also for technical and operational capacity with competency of the involved agencies are essentially required.