Islamabad: Speaker of the National Assembly, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, marked the 21st anniversary of the devastating October 8, 2005 earthquake by emphasizing the enduring sorrow it left in the hearts of the nation. Sadiq highlighted the significant loss of life and extensive destruction experienced in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and other affected areas, calling it an unforgettable national tragedy.

According to National Assembly of Pakistan, Sadiq praised the unity and collective responsibility shown by the Pakistani people, relief organizations, volunteers, armed forces, and civil society during the relief operations following the earthquake. He particularly noted the active participation of the Pakistan Army in rescue and relief efforts, which played a crucial role in restoring normalcy in the affected regions.

Sadiq further stressed the need for improved disaster preparedness, focusing on enhancing early warning systems, local emergency response arrangements, rescue and relief capabilities, and public awareness. He expressed his hopes for stronger measures to minimize future losses from natural disasters and offered prayers for the victims and their families.

Deputy Speaker Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah echoed the sentiments, underscoring the importance of compassion, cooperation, and unity in disaster management. He called for effective coordination among government entities, institutions, experts, and the public to mitigate the effects of natural calamities and prayed for the protection of Pakistan from future disasters.