A Framework for Establishment of National Disaster Response Force

Abstract

Specialized agencies have proved to be very effective in handling and managing the emergency situations; be it natural or manmade disasters. Pakistan is prone to multitude of disasters and recurrence of these has ranked it as a high risk country. Past experiences of disaster management (Earthquake 2005, 2008 & 2015, Super Floods 2010, Blockade of Karakorum Highway 2016 and Chitral Floods not only highlight the weakness but also demand strengthening response mechanism. Enthusiasm and supporting role of Pakistani people during these disasters, though, was exemplary but to accomplish post disaster early recovery and to support long term strategies a dedicated response setup is required. Identified local training needs and corresponding requirement of resources coupled with contingency planning based on risk assessment during peace time by these dedicated forces would help prepare for such emergencies.