The 8th of October reminds us of the devastating earthquake of 2005 – a great tragedy that befell upon Pakistan and Azad Jammu & Kashmir. Our heartfelt prayers go to all those who endured loss of lives and properties.
After the devastating 2005 earthquake, the floods of 2022 were a mega disaster surpassing all past records. The people and institutions of Pakistan have always shown immense resolve and demonstrated ability to resurface amidst catastrophes and national crises, induced by climate change and environmental hazards. Pakistan is facing an immense impact of climate change despite not being responsible for it. Frequent recurrence of unpredictable extreme events have given devastating blow to our struggling economy.
I commend the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) of Pakistan for its hard work to have evolved a tested mechanism as a national response towards such natural calamities. Key components of our national response include proactively working at reducing vulnerability to disasters and providing coping mechanisms and framework for effective disaster management. It is quite satisfying that NDMA's National Emergencies Operation Center (NEOC) has the best capacities in management of national disasters. NEOC is founded on high-end technology inputs to create disasters’ early warnings much ahead of time - saving lives and infrastructure.
I urge all stakeholders to seek synergy through greater and refined understanding of each other's strengths and capacity limitations, achieving maximized interoperability amongst local, zonal, national, global, and public and private sectors through a ‘whole of society’ approach. Efficient and effective coordination, development of contingency plans and risk communication to farthest communities is critical for national resilience.
‘National Resilience Day’ is a motivation for us to embrace the best practices and implement policies and strategies aimed at fortifying our nation's resilience. Our policy initiatives should encompass various sectors, including safe development of infrastructure, improved disaster preparedness, poverty alleviation, safer spatial land use planning, adherence to building codes, efficient water resource management, sound agricultural practices, and increased afforestation nationwide, including coastal areas.
On this occasion, I express our gratitude for the valuable help provided by the international community, civil society, and private philanthropy in bolstering our national response efforts during the 2022 floods disaster.
The people of Pakistan have a history of philanthropy and generosity in times of crises and their response during the earthquake of 2005 and floods of 2022 is a vivid example of their benevolence. By the grace of Allah, we have always, and continue to, fought through all such calamities with the help of our brave Pakistani brethren and sisters.
May Allah guide and help us in building a strong and resilient Pakistan.
Embargo: Not to be broadcast/published before 8 October, 2024
