16 years of 2005 earthquake: President, Prime Minister urge focus on climate change
ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in their separate messages, have emphasized focusing on mitigating the effects of climate change through effective coordination and building climate-resilient infrastructure.
President Asif Zardari conveyed his message on the occasion of “National Day of Resilience to Natural Disasters” and said that the earthquake of October 8, 2005, caused an unforgettable disaster, and the nation showed remarkable perseverance and unity after the earthquake.
He said that the public generously aided the earthquake victims, and we are grateful for the full cooperation of the international community, civil society, and welfare organizations.
Asif Zardari further expressed that given climate change, the risks of natural disasters have increased for Pakistan, and we must increase the capacity of national and provincial disaster management authorities. We can overcome the challenges faced with the spirit of unity and perseverance.
On the other hand, the Prime Minister also said in his message that October 8 reminds us of the devastating earthquake of 2005, a great tragedy that befell Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
“Our heartfelt prayers go out to all those who suffered loss of life and property in this earthquake,” he said, adding that after the devastating 2005 earthquake, the 2022 flood was a major natural disaster, breaking all previous records.
Shehbaz Sharif said that the people and institutions of Pakistan have always shown immense determination and capacity to deal with disasters and crises.
According to him, Pakistan is not responsible for climate change but is facing its immense harmful effects and the repeated occurrence of unexpected catastrophic natural disasters has dealt a devastating blow to our already troubled economy.
Appreciating NDMA for its hard work, he said, that NDMA has developed a sustainable and effective mechanism as a national response to such natural calamities.
The Prime Minister stated that key components of our national response include working proactively to reduce the risk of disasters, and providing systematic mechanisms and frameworks to deal with disasters.
He shared that the National Emergency Operations Center has the best capabilities to deal with national disasters, urging stakeholders to coordinate on each other’s capabilities and capacities.
Shehbaz Sharif further said that effective cooperation, availability of alternative action plans for emergencies, and awareness of the potential threats of disasters to remote areas are very important in dealing with natural disasters. It is a day to adopt best practices and implement policies and strategies.
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