Minister of Housing and Works Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada has called for provincial and state authorities to coordinate with National Disaster Management Authority to ensure a prompt and effective response to monsoon-related emergencies. Chairing a meeting in Islamabad today, he emphasized that the formation of National Disaster Response Committee for strengthening country's disaster management framework and coordination between the Federal and Provincial Governments. On this occasion, PDMA Punjab and Sindh were instructed to continue surveillance of river water levels, eradicate encroachments on waterways and riverbanks, and ensure a state of readiness for potential flood emergencies. In her remarks, Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Climate Change Romina Khurshid Alam directed PDMAs/SDMAs to develop standardized response plans for effective disaster management, which will subsequently be presented to the Prime Minister during next follow up meeting. Chairman NDMA Lieutenant General Inam Haider Malik u rged relevant departments to secure critical infrastructure such as roads and communication networks against potential threats. Source: Radio Pakistan