President Zardari,PM Shehbaz call for stronger national resilience

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have called for a collective approach to strengthening Pakistan’s ability to deal with natural disasters and other emergencies.

In separate messages issued on National Resilience Day, both leaders stressed that resilience should be treated as a shared responsibility involving state institutions, communities and citizens.

They said Pakistan needs to move beyond responding to disasters after they occur and focus more on identifying risks and preparing for them in advance.

The president and prime minister highlighted the importance of scientific research, accurate data and modern technology in improving the country’s disaster preparedness and response capabilities.

They noted that better risk assessment and early planning can help reduce loss of life and protect infrastructure and livelihoods during emergencies.

National Resilience Day is observed annually on October 8 to commemorate the victims of the devastating 2005 earthquake and raise awareness about disaster preparedness.

The earthquake, which struck parts of Pakistan and the wider region on October 8, 2005, caused widespread destruction and claimed tens of thousands of lives, particularly in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The day serves as a reminder of the importance of preparedness, coordinated emergency response and stronger infrastructure in reducing the impact of future disasters.

The leaders urged institutions and citizens to contribute to building a more resilient society by adopting preventive measures and remaining prepared for potential emergencies.