Islamabad: On the eve of National Resilience Day, President Asif Ali Zardari of Pakistan delivered a poignant message recalling the catastrophic earthquake of October 8, 2005, which resulted in extensive loss of life and severe damage to infrastructure across the country. The president’s address emphasized the unwavering spirit of resilience demonstrated by the nation during the disaster and highlighted ongoing challenges posed by climate change that necessitate robust disaster preparedness and infrastructure resilience.
According to Press Information Department, President Zardari expressed profound gratitude towards the international community, including friendly nations, civil society groups, and charity organizations, for their crucial support following the 2005 earthquake. This assistance was pivotal in reconstructing vital infrastructure and restoring the livelihoods of the affected populace. In his message, the president underscored the increased vulnerability of Pakistan to natural calamities driven by climate change, such as floods, droughts, heatwaves, and landslides, which threaten both lives and infrastructure.
The president stressed the importance of enhancing the capacity of national and provincial disaster management authorities. He advocated for the adoption of modern technologies and strategies that improve disaster response and mitigation efforts. Among the key priorities outlined were the improvement of early warning systems, greater coordination among governmental bodies, and the construction of climate-resilient infrastructure.
Furthermore, President Zardari called for comprehensive education on disaster risk management for the public and urged for community engagement to foster a culture of preparedness. He concluded by reaffirming the resilience of the Pakistani people, who have historically overcome great adversities, and voiced confidence in the nation’s ability to tackle future challenges through unity and perseverance.