ISLAMABAD:  Chairman of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Lieutenant General Inam Haider, has proposed a temporary ban on tourism during the monsoon season to prevent loss of life in disaster-prone areas.

Briefing the Public Accounts Committee, the NDMA chief noted that even 200 millimeters of rainfall can turn into a disaster in Pakistan. He suggested that tourism should be restricted for two to three weeks during peak monsoon to minimize risks.

He informed the committee that Pakistan has developed an advanced disaster prediction system, similar to that of China, which can forecast natural calamities up to 12 months in advance. “We must act before disasters strike, as one dollar spent on prevention is worth eleven dollars spent on relief,” he emphasized.

Inam Haider further stressed that climate change should be treated as a matter of national security, warning that Pakistan’s rapidly growing population could make it the third most populous country by 2050 if current trends continue.

During the meeting, PAC Chairman Junaid Akbar raised concerns about the country’s disaster preparedness. He remarked that NDMA’s focus appeared to be on recovering bodies and rebuilding roads after calamities rather than preventing losses. “Guide us on how people can be saved in the future. What preparation is there for families whose homes are destroyed? Distribution of flour and tents is not a solution,” he said.

Chairman NDMA said that there is a flood from Bahawalnagar to Sulemanki.” We saved many people in Buner and other areas first. We also issued instructions not to come to tourists more than capacity. People do not stop despite warning, two to three weeks in the rainy season”.

Member Committee Sanaullah Masti Khel said, “We have heard that money came from outside the Early Warning System, then the money was put in the Benazir Income Support Program.