On October 8, 2024, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif observed the 19th anniversary of the 2005 earthquake, stressing the need for climate-resilient infrastructure and enhanced disaster preparedness. The leaders recognized Pakistan’s vulnerability to climate change and expressed gratitude for international support following disasters. They called for collaborative efforts to improve national resilience against future calamities.
On October 8, 2024, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif commemorated the tragic 19th anniversary of the catastrophic earthquake that struck northeastern Pakistan in 2005, resulting in the loss of thousands of lives. In their respective addresses, both leaders emphasized the importance of constructing climate-resilient infrastructure, with President Zardari advocating for enhanced disaster risk management education and stakeholder engagement to foster a culture of preparedness. He expressed gratitude towards the international community and charitable organizations for their support in rebuilding Pakistan following the disaster, underscoring the increased vulnerability the nation faces due to climate change. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated the need for efficient risk communication across communities to bolster national resilience. He highlighted that effective government policies must target various sectors including infrastructure development, disaster preparedness, and afforestation. Reflecting on the aftermath of the 2005 earthquake and the subsequent floods of 2022, he acknowledged the severe impact climate change continues to exert on Pakistan, despite the country’s limited contributions to global emissions. The Prime Minister praised the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) for its efforts in enhancing disaster response capabilities while calling for a collaborative approach to improve interoperability among stakeholders. The observance of ‘National Resilience Day’ across Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa served to remind the nation of the devastating earthquake, while also galvanizing plans for future preparedness and resilience against natural calamities.
This article addresses the commemoration of the 19th anniversary of the 2005 earthquake in Pakistan, which registered a magnitude of 7.6 and led to the death of over 87,000 individuals, particularly affecting the regions of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Every year, the nation observes October 8 as ‘National Resilience Day’ to honor the victims and reflect on the importance of disaster preparedness, civil protection, and climate resilience. The discourse from President Zardari and Prime Minister Sharif underscores the government’s commitment to building a more resilient society that can better cope with the continuous threats posed by climate change and natural disasters.
In conclusion, the remarks by President Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif mark a solemn reflection on the tragic events of the 2005 earthquake while highlighting critical initiatives aimed at enhancing disaster readiness and response in Pakistan. Their collective calls for improved infrastructure, effective risk communication, and collaboration among all stakeholders underscore the urgency of addressing the escalation of climate-related threats facing the nation.
Original Source: www.geo.tv
