Islamabad: National Resilience Day was observed across Pakistan on Tuesday, commemorating the victims of the 2005 earthquake and emphasizing the urgent need for climate change mitigation and disaster preparedness.

According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif issued separate statements urging the enhancement of the country’s resilience through climate-adaptive infrastructure and better disaster risk management. President Zardari highlighted the importance of educating citizens on disaster preparedness and fostering a community-engaged approach to handle emergencies effectively. He reflected on the unity and resilience shown during the 2005 earthquake disaster, praising the nation’s spirit and generosity.

Prime Minister Sharif, marking the day as a reminder of the country’s vulnerability to climate impacts, emphasized the importance of adopting best practices and implementing robust policies to strengthen national resilience. He noted Pakistan’s significant challenges due to climate change effects, despite its minimal contribution to global emissions, and commended the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) for its effective response to natural calamities.

Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit Baltistan, Engineer Amir Muqam, reiterated the government’s commitment to disaster management and resilience building. On National Resilience Day, he expressed solidarity with the 2005 earthquake victims and acknowledged the pivotal role of national institutions and international support in the aftermath of the disaster.

In Azad Jammu and Kashmir, the day was marked with various activities including special prayers, moments of silence, Quran Khawani, documentary screenings, awareness walks, and seminars aimed at remembering the earthquake victims and promoting disaster awareness and preparedness. Broadcasts across Azad Kashmir Radio focused on discussions and documentaries related to the observance of the day.