Shakeel Qadir stresses to accelerate emergency preparedness ahead of monsoon

The Balochistan Chief Secretary Shakeel Qadir Khan directed all relevant departments to accelerate preparations before the onset of the monsoon season to ensure effective response to heavy rainfall, urban flooding, and other emergencies

QUETTA, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 15th May, 2026) The Balochistan Chief Secretary Shakeel Qadir Khan directed all relevant departments to accelerate preparations before the onset of the monsoon season to ensure effective response to heavy rainfall, urban flooding, and other emergencies.

A high-level meeting chaired by Balochistan Chief Secretary Shakeel Qadir Khan was held to review preparations for the upcoming monsoon season, potential urban flooding, forest fires, and heatwave emergencies. The meeting focused on developing a comprehensive emergency response plan to mitigate risks associated with heavy rains, flash floods, and climate-related disasters.

Shakel Qadir Khan emphasized that protective and administrative measures in vulnerable areas must be completed on time to minimize potential damage. Stressing the importance of proactive planning, effective coordination, and public awareness, he noted that timely action could significantly reduce losses.

Referring to recent forest fire incidents in districts such as Sherani, Musakhel, and Zhob, Khan instructed departments to strengthen preventive measures. He highlighted the need for firebreaks and trenches to limit the spread of flames and reduce fuel sources. He also ordered the activation of a heatwave plan to ensure immediate and effective response during extreme temperatures, particularly in the Dera Ghazi Khan, Makran, and Nasirabad belts, where heat intensity is often severe.

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Hospitals in these regions have been directed to ensure the availability of medicines and medical facilities during heatwave emergencies.

The Chief Secretary also called for intensified public awareness campaigns in light of climate change and recent heatwave alerts, urging citizens to adopt precautionary measures and follow government advisories. He appealed to the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with authorities during the monsoon season.

During the meeting, the Director General of PDMA presented a detailed briefing on preparedness measures. The session was attended by Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Muhammad Hamza Shafqaat, Secretary Forests Imran Gichki, Secretary Irrigation Sohail ur Rehman Baloch, Secretary Schools Lal Jan Jaffar, Director General Public Relations Askar Khan, PDMA officials, commissioners, and other relevant authorities.

Officials concluded that the integrated emergency plan represents a crucial step toward safeguarding communities against seasonal disasters and strengthening resilience in Balochistan.