Samar Bilour visits PDMA KP headquarters

PESHAWAR
Adviser to the Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Information and Public Relations, Relief, Rehabilitation and Settlement Samar Haroon Bilour on Friday visited the provincial headquarters of the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
According to a spokesperson for the KP Information Department, the adviser was briefed by relevant officials at the Provincial Emergency Operations Centre (PEOC) on the modern monitoring system, real-time data, digital dashboards and emergency response mechanisms.
The briefing highlighted that PDMA was actively working across all districts of the province to manage natural disasters and ensure prompt responses to emergency situations.
Officials informed her that the authority’s toll-free helpline 1700 remained operational round the clock to provide public information, guidance and address complaints. They said that 185 safe camp sites had been identified across the province to ensure public safety during emergencies, while essential relief supplies had been stocked at the Humanitarian Response Facility established at Jalozai to meet emergency requirements.
Samar Haroon Bilour was also given a detailed briefing on the digital compensation system, financial assistance to disaster-affected people, relief operations and rehabilitation projects.
The officials further informed her that modern technology and early warning systems had been introduced to ensure timely identification of natural disasters and an effective response.
Speaking on the occasion, Samar Haroon Bilour said Pakistan’s Gender-Based Violence in Emergencies (GBViE) Framework was the first of its kind in South Asia.
She said the Prime Minister of Pakistan had presented the GBViE Framework as a national document at COP29.
The framework strengthened gender-sensitive preparedness for natural disasters and emergency situations while ensuring better protection for women, children and other vulnerable segments of society.
The governor’s adviser appreciated PDMA’s overall performance, institutional initiatives and public service activities.
Modern systems, improved planning and effective coordination among relevant institutions were essential to dealing with natural disasters efficiently.
She assured that every possible support would be extended to further strengthen the capacity and effectiveness of PDMA.
She also lauded the professional commitment and dedicated services of PDMA officers and staff in serving the public.