Commemoration of National Resilience Day: A Call for Enhanced Disaster Preparedness in Pakistan
On the 19th anniversary of the 2005 earthquake, President Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif honored the victims while advocating for climate-resilient infrastructure and improved disaster management strategies. Their remarks during National Resilience Day underscored the urgency of public education on disaster risks and the need for community engagement to prepare for future natural calamities exacerbated by climate change.
On October 8, 2024, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif commemorated the 19th anniversary of the catastrophic earthquake of 2005, which claimed over 87,000 lives in northeast Pakistan. In their respective addresses, both leaders emphasized the importance of constructing climate-resilient infrastructure and the necessity for effective disaster management strategies to mitigate the impacts of climate change. This solemn occasion, observed annually as ‘National Resilience Day,’ highlighted the urgent need for public education on disaster risk, proactive community engagement, and the enhancement of disaster response capabilities. President Zardari underscored the importance of integrating advanced technologies and resources within local institutions to address the growing challenges posed by natural disasters exacerbated by climate change, including floods, droughts, and extreme weather conditions. Zardari expressed gratitude to the international community and charitable organizations for their invaluable support following the 2005 earthquake, which facilitated the rebuilding of critical infrastructure, providing hope to affected citizens. He remarked on the vulnerability of Pakistan to climate-related disasters and emphasized the necessity to bolster national and provincial disaster management capabilities in facing future threats. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reinforced the need for effective communication strategies to bolster national resilience, declaring the day a reminder of the profound impacts of the past. He stated, “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 identified key policy areas for the government, which include safe infrastructure development, poverty alleviation, and environmental sustainability practices, advocating for a comprehensive approach that involves all societal sectors. Both leaders concluded by acknowledging the devastating effects of climate change on Pakistan’s economy, and commended the contributions of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) in response to disasters, notably the floods of 2022, which further tested the nation’s resilience. They called for continued collaboration across all sectors to ensure an effective and cohesive approach to disaster preparedness in the future.
The 2005 earthquake in Pakistan was one of the deadliest natural disasters in the region, inflicting widespread devastation. The magnitude 7.6 quake predominantly affected the areas of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, leading to catastrophic loss of life and infrastructure. Since then, Pakistan has observed October 8 as National Resilience Day, reflecting on the importance of disaster preparedness and response, particularly in light of the increasing frequency and severity of climate-related disasters. The emphasis by leaders on climate-resilient infrastructure and systematic disaster management highlights the shifting priorities within national policy discourse regarding environmental resilience and community preparedness.
In summary, the observance of the 19th anniversary of the 2005 earthquake served as a clarion call for enhanced disaster preparedness and infrastructure resilience in Pakistan. Both President Zardari and Prime Minister Sharif articulated the necessity for strategic investments in disaster management, risk communication, and community engagement to better equip the nation against future calamities, particularly in the face of escalating climate change challenges. Their unified message reinforces the importance of international solidarity and the imperative for coordinated national responses to ensure the safety and recovery of vulnerable communities.
Original Source: www.geo.tv
