NDRMF to introduce Pakistan’s first ever Disaster Risk Insurance framework to ensure climate proof resilience

Sun, 21 Dec 2025, 6:56 PM

Ali Jabir

ISLAMABAD, Dec 21 (APP): The National Disaster Risk Management Fund (NDRMF) is evolving from a facilitating and funding entity to a catalytic fund leading on disaster risk reduction measures and climate resilience paradigm in the country. The fund is going to introduce the nation’s first ever nationwide Disaster Risk Insurance framework to ensure climate proof resilience.

The NDRMF has been serving the country since its inception as a facilitation vehicle and has accredited around 32 non-governmental organizations as fund implementing partners (FIPs) that have been trained, capacitated on system design and advancement of especially designed and first of its kind natural catastrophe (NatCat) model during two different training sessions that included specialized training on the model, said Chief Executive Officer (CEO), NDRMF, Bilal Anwar in an exclusive interview with APP sharing the recent development and initiatives being taken by the Fund.

CEO Bilal Anwar said Disaster Risk Insurance framework development and initiative is the mandate of the Fund and is enshrined the responsibility to define the contours of different disaster risk transfer mechanisms including the Disaster Risk Insurance. “This effort is to facilitate and strengthen private sector finance-based funding streams to finance post-disaster rehabilitation and shift the burden from already limited public funding to readily available private sector finance,” he said.

He added that it is a huge responsibility and the most critical element in the prevailing climate change and disaster challenges that will lead to a comprehensive Disaster Risk Insurance facility to initiate and ensure implementation of the Policy framework. However, a year-long effort has been made on developing Disaster Risk Insurance, he said, adding that the framework will be initially rolled out at the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) School buildings which would be further sprawled to the agriculture sector like crops, livestock and other sectors’ insurance.

Highlighting the constraints to the Disaster Risk Insurance framework, the Fund’s CEO mentioned that the insurance market of the country is small and financial sector not technically and financially ready, as it must absorb risk and provide insurance. He added that the Fund will not become an insurance company but rather will facilitate the process to develop the framework and empower and technically support the insurance sector for its implementation.

The insurance premium, he said will be subsidized through fund to extend it to small income groups impacted by disasters. “NatCat again is facilitating technically and will make insurance survey technically viable in the hard to reach and vulnerable areas,” he said.

Bilal Anwar said the Fund’s evolving role being undertaken is defined through the process of its business policy that guides its course to venture new and innovative avenues. Risk modelling, he said is one of the unique efforts of the Fund which has been a critical technical constraint as no institution prior to NatCat possessed the capacity to ensure such instrument that could be capable of guiding such policy planning and climate adaptation.

The NatCat risk model, he said is being scaled up further for a long-term and will be integrated at the national and provincial levels. Moreover, the Fund will beef up resources on developing new applications on it, he added.

The NDRMF chief executive informed that the Fund is also working on another national constraint of tapping global climate finance. “The national institutions lack capacity to meet global technical and regulatory climate finance requirements. The Fund’s newly established mechanism Project Preparation Facility is designing a portfolio aligned with global financial institution that will unblock climate finance and under this the Fund will undertake capacity buildup of national institutions,” Bilal Anwar said.

The Fund has received national level recognition and acknowledgement in afforestation, reforestation, flood and watershed management and protection of vulnerable areas. The NDRMF has secured donors increased recognition and confidence on upcoming Disaster Risk Insurance framework which is an asset to be implemented at the provincial level, the CEO NDRMF said.

He added that all the interventions of the NDRMF have been embedded in the capacity building and strengthening efforts for the provincial institutions.

NDRMF is also assisting the provincial governments in developing their localized Disaster Risk Reduction Policy that will grow its network at the community level, he said.

Responding to a query, he said private sector and NGOs have their pilots on Disaster Risk Insurance in the market and are learning from their experiences. Since, the NDRMF scope is at the national level and its lessons learnt have been very valuable for the Fund as its mostly relying on private and NGO sectors, he added.

Disaster Risk Insurance, he said may face religious and cultural challenges and other market impediments. These challenges have restricted evolution of disaster risk financing and insurance instruments as means of viable social protection can be a helpful elements in gaining market trust.

To another query, he noted that the NatCat is an indigenous and Pakistan specific disaster risk model based on climate models that are regional in nature. It has localized results that have been sought by many regional models to integrate into it for a holistic regional climate model, he added. “Asia as a region lacked such comprehensive model in the past which has a superior system with advanced technologies and capacity. Even India does not have such a comprehensive system,” Bilal Anwar said.

He elaborated that the Disaster Risk Insurance was previously designed on regional models that made the premium for insurance unrealistic whereas NatCat has built the capacity and filled the gap.

CEO NDRMF, Bilal Anwar underlined that the Fund is evolving to become a catalyst funds that will be managing different funds, and pioneering efforts in new areas and sectors like Disaster Risk Insurance framework and Disaster Risk modeling capacity building.

Two die, four injured as vehicle plunges into ravine in Upper Dir

Asif Jalal

Sun, 21 Dec 2025, 6:52 PM

PESHAWAR, Dec 21 (APP): A vehicle that was part of a wedding convoy met with an accident in Chukiyatan area of Dir Upper, resulting in the deaths of two people and injuries to four others.

According to initial police report on Sunday, the vehicle lost control and plunged into a deep ravine. Two people died on the spot, while four others sustained injuries. The injured include the driver and his two wives.

Rescue teams and local residents rushed to the scene and shifted the injured to a nearby hospital, where they are receiving medical treatment. Police have started an investigation into the cause of the accident.

Agri deptt issues spring sunflower cultivation advisory

Asif Jalal

Sun, 21 Dec 2025, 6:49 PM

MULTAN, Dec 21 (APP): The Punjab agriculture department has issued cultivation recommendations for the spring sunflower crop, highlighting its importance as a short-duration oilseed crop.

According to a department spokesperson, sunflower contains around 40 percent high-quality oil and has a crop duration of 100 to 110 days. Due to its short maturity period, it can be easily grown between two major crops. Sunflower can be cultivated twice a year, however, the autumn crop generally yields less than the spring crop.

The department emphasized that timely sowing was crucial for achieving higher yield and better oil content. For this purpose, Punjab has been divided into three zones with specific sowing schedules.

In South Punjab, including districts such as Multan, Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Vehari, Muzaffargarh, Layyah, Lodhran and others, farmers have been advised to complete sowing by January 31. In Central Punjab districts, sowing time has been fixed from January 1 to January 31, while in North Punjab, including Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum and Chakwal, sunflower can be sown from January 1 to February 15.

Farmers have been advised to use clean, high-germination hybrid seed at the rate of two kilograms per acre, with a germination rate of at least 90 percent. The recommended plant population is 22,000 to 23,000 plants per acre.

The department has also recommended several hybrid varieties, including Hi-Sun-33, T-40318, Agora-4, Gul Bahar-436, Oxen-5270, Reina, S-278, US-666, US-444, NKR Mini and NKS-278.

The spokesperson warned that delayed sowing not only reduces per-acre yield but also decreases oil content, urging farmers to strictly follow the recommended sowing schedule.

Beautification of 1-km stretch on Canal Road to be completed in 15 days

Asif Jalal

Sun, 21 Dec 2025, 6:49 PM

FAISALABAD, Dec 21 (APP): Construction work on one-kilometer canal-side beautification project near Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan Underpass on Canal Road is in full swing under the beautification initiative.

Commissioner Raja Jahangir Anwar directed the Municipal Corporation and the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) to complete key components of the beautification of 1-km stretch within 15 days.

He further mobilized the Municipal Corporation and PHA, instructing them to expedite preparation of landscaped beds along the one-kilometer stretch and complete the installation of attractive tile work on footpaths within stipulated timeframe.

He also assigned PHA targets for earth filling, grass development, plantation and installation of decorative lighting on trees to enhance aesthetic appeal of the area.

Following commissioner’s directives, PHA and Municipal Corporation are carrying out work in double shifts to ensure timely completion of the project.

The initiative would significantly improve the visual landscape of Canal Road, providing a cleaner, greener and more pleasant environment for the citizens.

Meanwhile, Chief Officer Municipal Corporation Malik Murtaza visited the site and reviewed the quality of ongoing work.

Malik suggests Pak-China-BD as new regional bloc in SA

Asif Jalal

Sun, 21 Dec 2025, 6:47 PM

LAHORE, Dec 21 (APP): SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry former president Iftikhar Ali Malik has suggested formation of new regional bloc comprising Pakistan, Bangladesh and China to establish new supply chains lessening the region’s reliance on uncertain partners, redirect investment and generate routes connecting markets.

In a media statement issued here Sunday, he cited that China’s growing presence in South Asia is highly visible as its last year total trade with south Asian countries is close to 200 billions dollars and Pakistan is major beneficiary.

Iftikhar Ali Malik said, “We have seen how quickly Chinese initiatives can turn into reality. Without involving countries which view it differently, working together will move faster, develop corridors unobstructed, and establish rules devoid of political roadblocks.”

He said Pakistan, China;and Bangladesh can pave the way for functional alternative, then countries will follow to it not out of loyalty but out of aspiration.

Winter festival preparations under PHA reviewed

Asif Jalal

Sun, 21 Dec 2025, 6:44 PM

SARGODHGA, Dec 21 (APP): Preparations for the Winter Festival 2025, organized by the Parks and Horticulture Agency (PHA) Sargodha, have been completed.

A meeting in this regard was held under the chairmanship of Managing Director PHA Sargodha, Chaudhry Muhammad Arshad, during which arrangements for the dignified organization of the festival were reviewed. Various committees were formed and responsibilities were assigned to ensure smooth execution.

The Winter Festival will be held from December 23 to January 6, with the aim of providing

positive and healthy recreational activities for the public.

The festival will feature a wide range of attractions, including musical, gymnastics and magic shows, drum and bhangra performances, fireworks, camel and horse riding, an Iceland model, playland, storytelling sessions, a book fair, trade and handicraft stalls, food stalls, and other colorful programs for families.

The opening ceremony of the festival will take place on December 23 at 5:00 pm at

Company Garden, Sargodha.

Modern computer labs inaugurated at Women University Swabi

Asif Jalal

Sun, 21 Dec 2025, 6:36 PM

PESHAWAR, Dec 21 (APP): Two modern computer laboratories equipped with the latest computer systems were inaugurated at Women University Swabi to provide students with advanced and AI-oriented education.

A University’s statement on Sunday said that the laboratories were formally inaugurated by MPA Haji Muhammad Rangez Khan. The inauguration ceremony was attended by Vice Chancellor Dr. Ghazala Yasmeen, Additional Registrar Tayyab Ur Rehman, Head of the Department of Computer Science, along with faculty members of the department.

Addressing the gathering, Vice Chancellor Dr. Ghazala Yasmeen informed that the Department of Computer Science currently had around 600 students enrolled across three degree programs of Software Engineering, Computer Science, and Information Technology. She stated that the growing enrollment reflected an increasing interest in technology-related fields, with a notable rise in female students opting for these programs.

She further highlighted that the newly established system labs would provide enhanced practical learning opportunities and help students develop essential technical skills required for their future careers. The labs are equipped with high-end hardware and advanced software, ensuring hands-on experience and practical knowledge. The facilities have been specially designed to meet the academic and project-based needs of Computer Science students by offering a dedicated space for skill development and innovation, she said.

Dr. Ghazala Yasmeen also shared that students of the department were actively enrolled in various Coursera courses, including Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Data Science, Cybersecurity, and Cloud Computing, to stay aligned with emerging technological trends.

The chief guest, MPA Haji Muhammad Rangez Khan appreciated the efforts of the Vice Chancellor and University administration, emphasizing that in today’s competitive era, acquiring in-demand technological skills was essential for students to meet industry and market requirements.