In the wake of heightened tensions and recent hostilities between Pakistan and India, the federal government has approved a comprehensive plan to construct underground shelters along the Line of Control (LoC) and across the country, particularly in hospitals and schools, as part of a broader defence and civil protection strategy.
The decision was taken at a meeting of the Underground Shelters Committee on Defence Planning, chaired by the Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Housing and Works. The meeting was held at the committee room of the Housing and Works Division, and its official minutes have now been issued.
As per official correspondence during the meeting, the chair reviewed the role and importance of the committee and assessed progress on recommendations made in previous sessions. Members were informed that only partial information had so far been received from the Government of Balochistan and the Military Wing of the Cabinet Division, while responses from other relevant institutions were still awaited. The chair directed all members to expedite implementation and ensure submission of their views and responses before the next meeting.
After detailed deliberations on agenda items, the committee observed that civilian populations living along the Line of Control face severe hardships during periods of tension or war. It was noted that shelter coverage for these areas remains incomplete.
The Engineer-in-Chief was therefore directed to make immediate arrangements to provide underground shelters for the remaining 40 per cent population residing along the LoC, to mitigate civilian vulnerability in case of future hostilities.
The committee also reviewed reports submitted by provincial committees regarding models and patterns of underground shelters. It was decided that all provincial-level committees would submit comprehensive reports covering, the number of buildings designated as shelters, the number of basements proposed for shelter use, and the population capacity of existing buildings and basements
All provinces, including Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan and the federal capital, have been directed to provide the required information within one month. Provinces and regions were also instructed to formally notify specific buildings and basements as designated shelters for use during war and emergency situations.
On the issue of inspections, the committee noted that reports regarding inspections of existing underground shelters by police officers had not yet been received. In this regard, Civil Defence and Home Departments were directed to submit inspection reports within one month, as required.
The responsibility was assigned to the Director General Civil Defence, along with secretaries of Home Departments of all provinces and regional governments.
The meeting also discussed the role of private builders and the possibility of incentives for underground shelter construction. It was decided that the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) would propose an incentive scheme aimed at persuading builders’ associations to incorporate underground shelters into building designs in accordance with prescribed safety and quality standards.
Regarding building regulations, the committee decided that amendments related to underground shelters would be pursued through a designated sub-committee. A meeting of this sub-committee is to be convened within one month to propose a sustainable building code for underground shelters.
The Engineer-in-Chief, in consultation with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), was tasked with preparing a standard structural model or format for underground shelters. This model is to be shared within two months with the committee chair and all provincial and regional governments for implementation.
The meeting also considered updates to the Book Report of the Underground Shelters Committee on Defence Planning. A sub-committee was formed to propose amendments and updates in line with the committee’s terms of reference. The sub-committee may also consult classified reference material, including the Federal War Book, where necessary.
In a key policy decision, the committee directed all provincial and regional governments to ensure that underground shelters are made mandatory in all new school and hospital buildings, recognising their critical importance during wartime and emergency scenarios.
Finally, the Director General Civil Defence was instructed to launch a nationwide awareness campaign to educate the public about the availability and use of underground shelters, as well as basic self-protection measures during war and emergency situations.
Officials say the decisions reflect a renewed emphasis on civilian protection and preparedness amid an increasingly volatile regional security environment.