As a sequel to the devastating earthquake of 8 October 2005, the National Disaster Management Ordinance was promulgated with a view to establish and regulate an enhanced and progressive Disaster Management Framework at the National, Provincial and Local level for disaster mitigation, preparedness and response. The NDMO provided the establishment of a Provincial Disaster Management Commission (PDMC) as well as Authority (PDMA) to cope with the challenges of Disaster Management in a professional and efficient manner.
Both the Organizations have been mandated to effectively set up a system to look after disasters and calamities whether natural or human induced. The Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has established a Provincial Disaster Management Commission (PDMC) as well as a Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) on 27 October 2008, to promote enhanced disaster preparedness and management within the province.
The establishment of PMDC and PDMA is based on the National Disaster Management Ordinance (NDMO) of 23rd December 2006 which forms the legal basis for the implementation of the National Disaster Management Fame work (NDMF) provided by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). Previously the Provincial Relief Commissionerate had been responsible for the relief, compensation and rehabilitation of people affected by natural disasters. With the establishment of PDMA, the functions of the Relief Commissionerate have been incorporated into the new Organization.