Islamabad: National Resilience Day was marked by a message from President Asif Ali Zardari, who underscored the importance of disaster preparedness in the wake of the catastrophic earthquake that struck on October 8, 2005. The day serves as a reminder of the lives lost and a tribute to those who survived and rebuilt.

According to Press Information Department, President Zardari highlighted the collective strength shown by Pakistan’s people and institutions, with international support, during the crisis. He expressed gratitude to countries including Saudi Arabia, the United States, China, Turkey, Iran, Japan, and Cuba for their assistance. The President stressed turning past lessons into future protective measures for communities.

President Zardari pointed out that Pakistan faces evolving risks intensified by climate change and urbanization, emphasizing that disaster resilience should be integral to national development. Initiatives like Next Generation Technology at the National Disaster Management Authority and the Global Resilience Hub were highlighted as key components in enhancing national resilience efforts.

He called for integrating risk reduction into development planning to ensure safer living environments and resilient infrastructure. Regional and global cooperation in areas such as early warning and technological innovation was also deemed essential. The President concluded by urging all sectors of society to embrace resilience as a shared responsibility for a more prepared Pakistan.