Islamabad: A high-level delegation from the Republic of Portugal visited the National Emergencies Operation Center (NEOC) at the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Headquarters, Islamabad, The delegation was led by H.E. Ms. Helena Malcata, Director General Foreign Policy, Portugal. The delegation included H.E. Mr. Paulo Domingues, Ambassador of Portugal in Islamabad; Mr. Vitor Marcelino, Director of Asia Department; and Mr. David Arcao, Senior Political Officer.
During the visit, the delegation was briefed on the operational capabilities of the National Emergencies Operation Center (NEOC) and NDMA's evolving disaster management system. Team NDMA presented Pakistan's transition towards proactive disaster risk management through the integration of advanced technologies, anticipatory planning, and data-driven decision-making to enhance national resilience against natural and human-induced hazards.
Chairman NDMA, Lieutenant General Inam Haider Malik, HI (M), highlighted the Authority's ongoing initiatives to strengthen disaster preparedness, improve early warning mechanisms, and enhance coordination among federal, provincial, and international stakeholders. He also shared NDMA's vision of leveraging next-generation technologies to further enhance Disaster Early Warning (DEW) systems and ensure effective, coordinated emergency response.
The delegation was briefed on NDMA's institutional coordination framework, including its collaboration with national leadership, provincial disaster management authorities, humanitarian partners, academia, and international organizations. The briefing highlighted Pakistan's efforts in localized risk communication, anticipatory action planning, resource mobilization, and integrated disaster response coordination.
During the session, the delegation was also shown "Disaster Lens 2026" and briefed on the Comprehensive International Simulation Exercises (CISE), reflecting Pakistan's commitment to strengthening disaster preparedness and response capabilities through innovation, technology, and international collaboration.
The Portuguese delegation appreciated NDMA's state-of-the-art operational capabilities and its forward-looking approach to disaster risk management. Both sides expressed their commitment to enhancing cooperation in the areas of disaster risk reduction, emergency preparedness, capacity building, and humanitarian response.
The visit concluded with a reaffirmation of the importance of strengthening institutional partnerships and promoting knowledge sharing to address the growing challenges posed by climate change and complex disasters.