On October 8, 2024, President Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz commemorated the 19th anniversary of the 2005 earthquake, emphasizing climate-resilient infrastructure and effective disaster management. They highlighted the need for public education on disaster preparedness and acknowledged international assistance in past recovery efforts. Their remarks underline the growing threats posed by climate change and the importance of a coordinated response to ensure national resilience against future disasters.
On October 8, 2024, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif commemorated the 19th anniversary of the catastrophic earthquake that struck northeast Pakistan in 2005, resulting in the loss of thousands of lives. They paid tribute to the victims during a national observance designated ‘National Resilience Day’, particularly in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). President Zardari emphasized the necessity for constructing infrastructure that is resilient to climate change. He called for public education on disaster risk management and community engagement to cultivate preparedness for future calamities. Zardari expressed gratitude towards the international community, acknowledging their support in rebuilding vital infrastructure after the earthquake, which claimed over 87,000 lives. He noted the increasing vulnerability of Pakistan to natural disasters due to climate change, underscoring the importance of investing in disaster management capabilities and enhancing early warning systems. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the significance of effective risk communication to bolster national resilience. He articulated that observing ‘National Resilience Day’ serves as a reminder of the 2005 tragedy and as motivation to adopt best practices for disaster preparedness, which includes improving infrastructure, managing resources, and implementing sound agricultural practices. He lamented the recent catastrophic floods of 2022, attributing the heightened frequency of natural disasters to climate change, despite Pakistan’s minimal contribution to global emissions. He expressed confidence in the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) for their established protocols in disaster response and highlighted the importance of a cohesive approach across various sectors and stakeholders.
The 2005 earthquake, measuring 7.6 on the Richter scale, devastated large areas of AJK and KP, leading to a significant loss of life and requiring extensive international relief efforts. The observance of ‘National Resilience Day’ on October 8 serves not only as a memorial but also as a platform to promote discussions surrounding disaster preparedness and climate change adaptation strategies in Pakistan. As the country continues to face the repercussions of climate change, the leaders’ emphasis on infrastructure resilience and disaster management underscores the urgent need to safeguard communities against future disasters.
In recognition of the tragic events of October 8, 2005, President Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz emphasized the importance of learning from past disasters to enhance Pakistan’s preparedness for future challenges posed by climate change. Their calls for resilient infrastructure, improved disaster management strategies, and effective communication align with the need for a comprehensive national approach to safeguarding lives and properties in the face of increasing environmental threats. The commendation of international support reinforces the necessity of global collaboration in disaster response and recovery efforts.
Original Source: www.geo.tv
