On the 19th anniversary of the 2005 earthquake, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif honored the victims, emphasizing the need for disaster preparedness and climate-resilient infrastructure. Their messages coincided with ‘National Resilience Day,’ highlighting Pakistan’s ongoing vulnerability to climate change and the necessity for effective coordination and community engagement in disaster risk management.
On the 19th anniversary of the catastrophic earthquake that struck northeastern Pakistan on October 8, 2005, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif solemnly honored the victims of this devastating event. The earthquake, which registered a magnitude of 7.6, resulted in the loss of over 87,000 lives, primarily in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. In their commemorations, President Zardari emphasized the necessity of constructing climate-resilient infrastructure and fostering a culture of disaster preparedness among communities. Prime Minister Shehbaz echoed this sentiment, advocating for effective coordination and the development of contingency plans to combat the increasingly adverse effects of climate change. As the nation observes ‘National Resilience Day,’ President Zardari called upon citizens to prioritize education in disaster risk management and pointed out the importance of equipping institutions with modern technologies and resources needed to address rising challenges. He expressed deep gratitude for the international community’s support during the aftermath of the 2005 earthquake, which facilitated the rebuilding of essential infrastructure and provided hope to those affected. Furthermore, President Zardari articulated concerns regarding the escalating threat of climate change, mentioning the unpredictable weather patterns and natural disasters that have plagued Pakistan in recent years, including devastating floods and heatwaves. He asserted the need for investment in enhancing the capabilities of disaster management authorities at both national and provincial levels while advocating for improvements in early warning systems and inter-agency cooperation. In a similar vein, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif underscored the critical nature of risk communication for fostering national resilience. He remarked, “‘National Resilience Day’ is a motivation for us to embrace the best practices and implement policies and strategies aimed at fortifying our nation’s resilience.” He highlighted the importance of multi-sectoral policies, including the safe development of infrastructure, effective poverty alleviation measures, and environmental management practices. Moreover, Prime Minister Shehbaz reflected on the catastrophic floods of 2022, which he labeled as a significant disaster that surpassed previous calamities. He commended the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) for establishing a robust framework for managing natural disasters, expressing satisfaction with the capabilities of the NEOC in disaster response. He called upon all stakeholders to collaborate effectively, leveraging their strengths to build a more resilient society. The leaders’ messages serve as a poignant reminder of the resilience of the Pakistani people in the face of calamity and emphasize the need for proactive measures to mitigate future disasters, particularly in the context of the ongoing climate crisis.
The 2005 earthquake that struck northeastern Pakistan remains one of the most tragic natural disasters in the country’s history. It not only caused immense loss of life but also led to widespread destruction of infrastructure. In the aftermath, the country has been engaged in rebuilding and improving its disaster management efforts. Annually, October 8 is observed as ‘National Resilience Day’ to commemorate the victims and reflect on the lessons learned in disaster preparedness and response. The recent emphasis on climate change adds a pressing dimension to the discourse on resilience in Pakistan, as the nation faces increased vulnerability to natural disasters due to changing climatic conditions.
In conclusion, the observance of the 19th anniversary of the 2005 earthquake by President Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif highlights the importance of remembering past tragedies while reinforcing the commitment to disaster preparedness. Their calls for climate-resilient infrastructure, improved disaster management capabilities, and community engagement are crucial steps towards ensuring national resilience in the face of ongoing environmental challenges. The collaborative efforts of both domestic and international partners remain vital to the successful implementation of these strategies, ultimately enabling Pakistan to better withstand future natural disasters and climate-related adversities.
Original Source: www.geo.tv
