Islamabad Staff Reporter
President Asif Ali Zardari has called upon all sectors of society to work together to reduce the impact of disasters, enhance preparedness, and protect vulnerable communities. In a statement issued by the President’s House on Tuesday, the President commemorated the 20th anniversary of the devastating 2005 earthquake by marking October 8, 2025, as National Resilience Day.
President Zardari paid tribute to the more than 80,000 people who lost their lives in the earthquake, and to the millions who were injured or displaced. He said the tragedy was a turning point that demonstrated the unbreakable spirit of the Pakistani people in the face of unimaginable loss.
“This year marks two decades since the 2005 earthquake — a powerful reminder of our nation’s unmatched resilience. In the face of disaster, strangers became family, and our people stood united,” he said. “We rebuilt schools, hospitals, and homes from the ashes of tragedy. We learned that true strength lies not in avoiding hardship, but in overcoming it with faith, unity, and innovation.”
The President also acknowledged the challenges posed by more recent disasters, including a devastating monsoon flood earlier this year that left thousands homeless and caused massive losses to agriculture, infrastructure, services, and livelihoods. He emphasized that while Pakistan contributes minimally to global carbon emissions, it faces an outsized burden of the consequences of climate change.
Highlighting progress in disaster management, President Zardari praised the evolution of Pakistan’s disaster response framework, especially the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and its modern National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) which now uses advanced technologies for early warning and risk assessment.
“While we have made significant advancements, recurring disasters demand that we further strengthen our preparedness, promote sustainable development, and engage all segments of society in resilience-building,” he stated.
President Zardari called on federal and provincial institutions, civil society, academia, and the private sector to collaborate closely in mitigating disaster risks and enhancing joint preparedness.
On this National Resilience Day, he prayed for guidance and strength:
“May Allah Almighty help us build a safer, stronger, and more resilient Pakistan. Ameen.”
