ISLAMABAD: Pakistan joined the international community on April 29 to express solidarity with the victims of earthquakes and other natural disasters, marking the International Day in Memory of the Victims of Earthquakes. The day, designated by the United Nations, serves as a reminder to honor those who have lost their lives, express compassion for survivors, and reinforce global resolve in disaster preparedness and resilience.
According to Press Information Department, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the importance of improved infrastructure, comprehensive planning, and public awareness in mitigating the impacts of natural disasters. The day underscores the significance of international cooperation and collaborative efforts to advance early warning technologies and strengthen structural resilience.
The devastating earthquake of October 2005, which claimed over 80,000 lives and displaced nearly 3 million people in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, remains embedded in Pakistan’s national memory. In its aftermath, the country introduced comprehensive institutional reforms, including the establishment of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), to enhance disaster management capacity.
While earthquakes cannot be predicted, the NDMA uses historical trends, fault line data, and geospatial technologies to identify high-risk areas, supporting early warning systems and infrastructure strengthening. Aligned with global initiatives, Pakistan reaffirms its commitment to the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030.
At the national level, Pakistan prioritizes capacity building and public awareness, including training community first responders, integrating disaster education into the curriculum, and investing in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and satellite-based modeling. The government reiterates its commitment to a safer and more resilient future, urging the international community to strengthen collective efforts through shared responsibility and cooperation.