Islamabad:
(Peshawar) Active participation of Parliamentarians is crucial for improving the effectiveness of DRM (Disaster Risk Management) in the country and especially in NWFP. Given the importance the NDMA places on sensitizing the policy makers on DRM, a policy dialogue on "Effectiveness of Disaster Risk Management - Engaging Parliamentarians" was held here in NWFP, supported by UNDP. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) organized the dialogue, which was chaired by Mr. Kiramatullah Khan, Speaker, Provincial Assembly, NWFP. General=AE Farooq Ahmad Khan, Chairman NDMA welcomed the support NDMA has had from the Provincial Disaster Management Authority and stressed for continued cooperation and effectiveness of building linkages with PDMA and the DDMAs. He also mentioned the need for political will to achieve an effective implementation of NDMO in NWFP especially, and in the whole country, in general. Mr. Shakeel Qadir Khan, Director General, PDMA, NWFP, delivered a presentation on the status of PDMA NWFP and the issues faced by it. He thanked the members of Parliament for extending their support to a subject crucial to the people of NWFP. He stressed that the political will is critical to ensure the effective role of PDMA in NWFP and suggested institutional response to disasters must be well-informed and well-coordinated. Mr. Kiramatullah Khan, Speaker, Provincial Assembly, NWFP, appreciated the efforts of the organizers of the policy dialogue and assured his full support towards the accomplishment of the objectives for the PDMA in the province. Mr. Ahsanullah Khan, Senior Member Board of Revenue, NWFP, emphasized the need to be prepared in future for any unforeseen disasters, at national, as well as at provincial and local levels. He said that the Government of the NWFP would leave no stone unturned in bringing about a vibrant and fully functional PDMA in the province. He added that all the political support and financial resources would be ensured to have an effective and comprehensive system in the province with close linkages with the NDMA. The members of the NWFP Assembly showed their keen interest in the subject of disaster management. They expressed their willingness to become the DRM supporters in the Assembly, by debating the issues surrounding the subject, and putting together all out efforts towards allocating ample resources for effective DRM in the province. The dialogue was attended by the members of Provincial Assembly NWFP belonging to various political parties across the political arena, heads of various government departments, civil society organizations, media representatives and bar associations from across the province.