The Director General, appointed under sub-section (3) of section 8 shall act as ex-officio Secretary of the National Commission.

1. Subject to the provisions of NDMA Act 2010, the National Commission shall have the responsibility for laying down the policies, plans and guidelines for disaster management.
2. Without prejudice to generality of the provisions in sub section (1) of the NDMA Act 2010 , the National Commission may :-
   1. Lay down policies on disaster management.
   2. Approve the National Plan.
   3. Approve plans prepared by the Ministries or Divisions of the Federal Government in accordance with the National Plan.
   4. Lay down guidelines to be followed by Federal Government and Provincial Authorities.
   5. Arrange for, and oversee, the provision of funds for the purpose of mitigation measures, preparedness and response.
   6. Provide such support to other countries affected by major disasters as Federal Government may determine.
   7. Take such other measures for the prevention of disaster, or the mitigation, or for preparedness and capacity building for dealing with disaster situation as it may consider necessary.
3. The Chairperson of the National Commission shall, in the case of emergency, have power to exercise all or any of the powers of the National Commission but exercise of such powers shall be subject to ex-post facto ratification by the National Commission.