Pakistan is the world’s seventh most populous country, with a population of nearly 150 million and an annual population growth rate of 1.9 %. Literacy rate is almost 54%. Social indicators show a life expectancy of 63 years and the infant mortality rate stands 86 per 1000 while maternal mortality is 350-400 per l00, 000 live births.38% of the children are under weight and 12% of the mothers are malnourished. Per capital income is US$ 652 and GDP growth rate is 6.4%, however, less than 1% of GNP is spent on health.

Pakistan remains one of the most disaster-prone areas in South Asia caused by a variety of natural and man-induced calamities. These calamities include, periodic floods, drought and occasional earthquakes, which cause considerable damage and dislocation to life and property. Pakistan is faced with a perpetual conflict situation along 2200KM long western border since 1979. Since 9/11 a new dimension has been added to the equation by way of spillover effect of acts of urban terrorism in our major cities. This has necessitated reprioritization in main areas of work of PRCS. The current emphasis of PRCS is on Disaster Preparedness & Response with a focus on disaster situations due to man-induced reasons.