The National Post Monsoon-2018 Review Conference was held at the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Wednesday. The conference was presided over by NDMA Chairman Lieutenant General Omar Mahmood Hayat. While welcoming the participants of the conference, NDMA Operations Member Brigadier Mukhtar Ahmed presented a countrywide overview of the monsoon season-2018. He shared a countrywide loss/damages report of monsoon and highlighted the relevant rescue and relief operation undertaken. The forum also identified the weaknesses and shortfall witnessed during the season and presented recommendations for the better preparedness for the upcoming Monsoon Season-2019. He updated the meeting on the drought like situation in Sindh and Balochistan. He also apprised the meeting on formation of a glacial lake in Shishper Glacier, Hasanabad due to blockage of river earlier in November this year. While appreciating the efforts of all concerned stakeholders, NDMA Chairman Lieutenant General Omar Mahmood Hayat highlighted that disaster management was a shared responsibility. He observed that it was a sacred duty to save human live and properties. He wholeheartedly welcomed any proposals or recommendations from Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs) and offered every possible support from NDMA to coordinate and facilitate all their activities. He maintained that although Pakistan stands way ahead today than in 2010/ 2011, still there are some gaps that need to be addressed. The chairman vowed to progressively strengthen disaster management system and hoped that soon Pakistan will be a disaster resilient country in true sense of the word. He directed the composition of a team of experts under Gilgit-Baltistan Disaster Management Authority director general assess the on-ground situation of Shishper Glacier. The team will prepare a comprehensive report for Prime Minister Imran Khan where concrete remedial measures will be proposed. He sought recommendation from all so that a comprehensive Drought Polity for the country could be devised. Structured presentations were given by the representatives of all provincial and regional Disaster Management Authorities, including Azad Jammu & Kashmir State Disaster Management Authority and Gilgit-Baltistan Disaster Management Authority. Representatives from Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), Federal Flood Commission (FFC), Tarbela Dam and Mangla Dam Authorities, Water & Power Development Authority, Space & Upper Atmosphere Research Commission and Pakistan Army Engineers Directorate, presented measures taken by their respective departments for the flood prevention and rehabilitation during Monsoon-2018 and apprised the chairman on preparations for next Monsoon season. Published in Daily Times, December 13th 2018.