Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari advocate for enhanced disaster preparedness and climate-resilient infrastructure

On October 8, Pakistan marked National Resilience Day, a solemn occasion dedicated to remembering the victims of the catastrophic earthquake that struck in 2005. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari both paid tribute to those who lost their lives and homes in the disaster, calling for a renewed focus on disaster preparedness and resilience.

During a press conference, Prime Minister Shehbaz emphasised the need for comprehensive initiatives across multiple sectors to bolster the nation’s disaster preparedness. He pointed out that ensuring the safety of infrastructure, alleviating poverty, and enhancing agricultural practices are essential elements of a robust strategy to withstand future calamities.

“National Resilience Day is a motivation for us to embrace the best practices and implement policies aimed at fortifying our nation’s resilience,” he remarked. The Prime Minister poignantly recalled the devastation caused by the 2005 earthquake, stating, “Our heartfelt prayers go to all those who endured the loss of lives and properties.” He further highlighted that the floods of 2022 served as a stark reminder of Pakistan’s vulnerability to climate change, following the catastrophic earthquake.

Expressing gratitude for the international community’s support during the 2022 floods, he acknowledged the invaluable assistance provided by civil society and private philanthropy in reinforcing the government’s national response efforts. “The people of Pakistan have a history of philanthropy and generosity in times of crises,” he said, citing the outpouring of support following both the earthquake and the floods. “By the grace of Allah, we have always fought through such calamities with the help of our brave Pakistani brethren and sisters,” he added.

Echoing the Prime Minister’s sentiments, President Asif Ali Zardari underscored the importance of constructing climate-resilient infrastructure. “Today we are observing National Resilience Day, which reminds us of the devastating earthquake of October 8, 2005, that claimed thousands of lives,” he stated. Zardari stressed the necessity of educating the public on disaster risk management and engaging communities in preparedness efforts to mitigate the impact of future disasters.

He extended his gratitude to the international community for their ongoing support in the aftermath of past disasters, noting, “Their solidarity not only helped us rebuild our roads, education, health, and other infrastructure but also provided hope to the affected people.” The President pointed out the increasing vulnerability of Pakistan to natural disasters due to the looming threat of climate change and called for urgent investment in capacity building for national and provincial disaster management authorities.

“The frequency and intensity of climate-related calamities have increased in Pakistan,” he observed, urging for improved early warning systems and better coordination among relevant authorities to effectively respond to disasters.

As the nation reflects on the lessons learned from past tragedies, both leaders’ calls for proactive measures signal a commitment to ensuring that Pakistan is better equipped to handle future crises. The remembrance of the 2005 earthquake not only serves as a day of mourning but also as a powerful reminder of the resilience and solidarity of the Pakistani people in the face of adversity