It was formed in April 2020 (2020-04) on the orders of the Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan to collate, analyze, and process information received from all provinces, AJK, Gilgit-Baltistan, and the Capital Territory.

[1] The initial response to the COVID-19 pandemic early 2020 was led by the National Disaster Management Authority.

The NDMA was formed to tackle traditional emergencies, and was adept at procuring and delivering emergency and relief supplies, but was unable to launch a national response against challenges posed by a pandemic like COVID-19.

Pakistan's initial response was marred by confusions partly due to Imran Khan's reluctance on imposing a complete lockdown due to the economic effects and difficulties faced by the poorer segment of society, and due to the divisions within the federal cabinet.

[4] On 1 April 2022, Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Asad Umar announced the closure of National Command and Operation Center (NCOC) operations because of all time low COVID-19 indicators and high levels of vaccination.