Message from Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on National Resilience Day, 8th October
Islamabad : Today, on 20th anniversary of 2005 earthquake not only we are reminded of the immense losses and damages to the infrastructure, but also of the incomparable courage with which the Nation rose in unity to recover from that catastrophe. The devastating earthquake of 2005 remains etched in our collective memory, a tragedy that reshaped communities and validated the strength, compassion, and resilience of people of Pakistan.
This year, Pakistan again faced climate fury through devastating monsoon floods, which displaced millions, inundated vast swathes of land, and caused colossal damage to homes and livelihoods. Alhamdulillah! we once again exhibited our traditional resilience against climate-induced natural hazards.
Despite all odds, Government of Pakistan remains firmly committed standing with its people in trying times of post disasters recovery. We have learnt to mobilize all national resources through all out support of provincial governments, armed forces, rescue services, humanitarian partners, private sector and civil society.
While the task ahead has always been enormous, the resolve remained matching, vibrant and arrayed.
We must continue to learn from past experiences and adapt our strategies to an evolving climate reality that spares no nation. Floods, earthquakes, heatwaves, forest fires, droughts, urban flooding, and glacial melts are all stark reminders of the risks we face.
Building resilience in such a complex environment demands a comprehensive and proactive approach enabled by reliable data, advanced risk analyses and targeted preparedness.
Pakistan has credible early warning systems and disaster management capabilities through technologies housed at National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC) of National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).
Insha Allah, we would continue replicating greater synergies, shared best practices and whole of the system act to protect our people. I urge all citizens, from urban centres to rural villages, to participate in disaster preparedness initiatives. Learn local disaster management efforts, and advocate for sustainable practices to mitigate climate-related risks.
On this National Resilience Day, I reaffirm our government’s vision to strengthen national capacities of disaster risk reduction policies and protecting vulnerable segments of society. Together, with unity of purpose, we will succeed in shaping a safer and more resilient Pakistan.
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
