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QUETTA, Jul 16 (APP):Director General of the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Balochistan, Jahanzeb Khan, has emerged as a trailblazer in disaster preparedness and public service, pioneering modern technologies to strengthen emergency response capabilities across the province.
Under his leadership, PDMA has integrated satellite imagery and advanced data analytics to establish early warning systems that have significantly minimized the devastating impacts of natural calamities, said a news release on Wednesday. The innovative tools and strategies have saved countless lives and resources while improving overall disaster readiness.
The PDMA, guided by Jahanzeb Khan’s vision, has launched wide-scale public awareness campaigns aimed at educating citizens on disaster preparedness and safety protocols.
Meanwhile, emergency responders, including Levies forces, Civil Defense teams, volunteers, and rescue units, have received specialized training to enhance provincial capacity.
During last year’s devastating floods and torrential rains, Khan mobilized emergency operations with commendable efficiency, ensuring rapid distribution of tents, food rations, potable water, and medical aid, even in Balochistan’s most remote and underserved areas.
PDMA’s collaboration with international partners has further transformed the region’s disaster infrastructure, bringing technical support, funding, and policy innovation that bolster emergency resilience.
The provincial emergency center in PDMA’s Quetta office now operates round the clock, coordinating with district administrations and relevant departments to prevent and respond to crises promptly.
In one of the region’s most volatile terrains, plagued by earthquakes, floods, and drought, the PDMA has become a symbol of swift response, strategic coordination, and public service.
During the 2024 unrest in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, Khan intervened to facilitate the safe return of dozens of Baloch students trapped in the conflict. More recently, PDMA played a vital role in receiving and supporting students and pilgrims repatriated from Iran amid regional tensions stemming from the Iran-Israel conflict. Food, shelter, water, and transport were provided to returning nationals through a coordinated effort with the Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF).
Beyond emergency relief, Jahanzeb Khan has quietly contributed to peace building efforts in the province, mediating dialogues with civil society figures and resolving protests among civil servants which has always with a focus on stability and public interest.
For his exceptional service, Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti and Chief Secretary Shakeel Qadir Khan have honored Jehanzeb Khan with appreciation certificates, though many believe national recognition is warranted.
His hands-on leadership in disaster-affected districts such as Washuk, Khuzdar, Turbat, Gwadar, Ormara, and Naseerabad showcases a commitment that has elevated Balochistan’s response capabilities to unprecedented levels.
Chief Minister Bugti continues to underscore the importance of public service, good governance, and efficient delivery, values deeply reflected in PDMA’s evolving mandate under Jahanzeb Khan.