President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif memorialized the 19th anniversary of the 2005 earthquake, emphasizing the need for climate-resilient infrastructure, disaster preparedness, and community engagement in risk management. Both leaders acknowledged the ongoing challenges posed by climate change and underscored the importance of international support in bolstering national disaster response initiatives.
On October 8, 2024, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif commemorated the 19th anniversary of the catastrophic 2005 earthquake, which claimed the lives of over 87,000 individuals in northeastern Pakistan. During their observances, they called for increased focus on disaster preparedness and climate-resilient infrastructure to better equip the nation for future natural calamities. President Zardari emphasized the importance of educating communities on disaster risk management, advocating for enhanced disaster response capabilities, and expressing gratitude towards the international community for their post-earthquake support. He noted the heightened vulnerabilities due to climate change, including unpredictable weather patterns and extreme weather events, urging investments in disaster management and preparedness. Prime Minister Sharif echoed these sentiments, asserting that effective risk communication and comprehensive policy initiatives across various sectors are crucial for fostering national resilience. Both leaders underscored the need to reflect on the tragic events of 2005 and the ongoing struggles against climate-induced disasters such as the catastrophic floods of 2022, which have significantly impacted the country and its economy. Their collaborative messages highlighted a commitment to improving emergency response mechanisms and fostering a unified approach towards disaster management.
The observance of October 8 as ‘National Resilience Day’ serves as a poignant reminder of the 2005 earthquake, a devastating event that profoundly impacted the regions of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in Pakistan, resulting in extensive loss of life and infrastructure. The annual recognition not only honors the victims but also serves to raise awareness of the imperative for disaster preparedness. In the context of increasing natural disasters exacerbated by climate change, the government’s focus has shifted towards building resilient infrastructure and improving the capacity of disaster management agencies. This background emphasizes the necessity for sustained governmental and community engagement in risk management and disaster response.
In conclusion, the remarks made by President Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on the 19th anniversary of the 2005 earthquake highlight the urgent need for enhanced disaster preparedness and climate resilience in Pakistan. Their reflections on past tragedies serve as a call to action, advocating for education in disaster risk management, improved infrastructure, and effective coordination among various stakeholders. The collective efforts by the government, international allies, and civil society are essential in fortifying the nation’s response to the escalating threats posed by climate change and natural disasters.
Original Source: www.geo.tv
