Shehbaz commemorates October 5 earthquake, 2022 floods in address to the nation

ISLAMABAD: The Prime Mister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday (October 8) delivered a speech on the occasion of the “National Resilience Day”, commemorating the devastating October 5 earthquake in 2005 and the 2022 floods.

A devastating earthquake struck Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir on October 8, 2005 that left more than 80,000 people dead.

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In his address, Shehbaz offered condolences to those who suffered huge losses on that day.

“October 8 reminds us of the devastating earthquake of 2005 – a great tragedy that befell Pakistan and Azad Jammui and Kashmir.

“Our heartfelt prayers go out to all those who suffered loss of life and property in this earthquake”, Shehbaz stated.

The PM talked in detail about the subsequent challenges faced by the nation. He, in particular, referenced the catastrophic floods of 2022 where over two-thirds of the entire country, with the exception of Punjab,  was flooded.

The floods were caused by glaciers melting in the Himalayas up north, due to climate change.

Shehbaz acknowledged the resilience of the Pakistani public and institutions in confronting the crisis arising from climate change and changing weather patterns.

“Despite not being responsible for climate change, Pakistan is facing its immense adverse effects” he noted.

He lamented the huge loss of life the floods caused the country.

The PM commended the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) for its efforts in establishing a sustainable and effective national response mechanism to natural calamities.

“I today commend the National Disaster Management Authority for its hard work in devising a sustainable and effective mechanism as a national response to such natural calamities,” he said.

Shehbaz praised the National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC) of NDMA, which utilises advanced technology to provide early warnings of disasters.

“It is gratifying that the National Emergency Operations Center of NDMA has excellent national disaster response capabilities,” he stated.

Th PM urged all stakeholders to cooperate, advocating for a “whole of society” approach. “I urge all stakeholders today to leverage on each other’s capabilities and capacities to bring together the local, zonal, national, global and private sectors,” he said.

He called for the adoption of best practices and the implementation of policies aimed at strengthening national resilience. “Natural Disaster Resilience Day is a day for us to adopt best practices and implement policies and strategies aimed at strengthening our national resilience,” Shehbaz said.

He outlined key policy initiatives, including sustainable infrastructure development, improved disaster preparedness, and efficient management of water resources.

The PM thanked the international community, civil society, and private philanthropists for their support during the 2022 flood disaster.

 “On this occasion, I thank the international community, civil society and private philanthropists for their valuable support in supporting our efforts at the national level during the 2022 flood disaster”.

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“The people of Pakistan have set an example of humanitarianism and generosity in times of crisis,” he said.

In closing, Shehbaz talked about hope for the future. “May Allah help us to make a strong Pakistan”.