Summary Shehbaz Sharif reaffirms disaster preparedness, cites 2005 Kashmir earthquake, and stresses global cooperation and resilient infrastructure to reduce risks
ISLAMABAD (APP) - Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said Pakistan stands in solidarity with communities worldwide affected by earthquakes and other natural disasters, while renewing its commitment to preparedness and resilience.
In a message issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, the prime minister noted that the day, designated by the United Nations, serves both as a tribute to lives lost and a call to strengthen global cooperation in disaster risk reduction.
“Mitigating the devastating impacts of natural disasters requires improved infrastructure, comprehensive planning, and widespread public awareness,” he said, stressing the need for integrating safety standards into construction practices and advancing early warning technologies.
The prime minister highlighted the lasting impact of the 2005 Kashmir earthquake, which claimed over 80,000 lives and displaced nearly three million people across Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He described the tragedy as a defining moment in the country’s history, while also praising the resilience and unity shown by citizens in its aftermath.
He added that following the disaster, Pakistan undertook major institutional reforms, including the establishment of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), aimed at improving coordination and response capacity.
The authority now uses geospatial technologies, historical data, and fault-line analysis to identify high-risk areas and support preparedness efforts.
Prime Minister Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s alignment with global frameworks such as the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030, emphasizing equitable access to early warning systems and the development of earthquake-resilient infrastructure.
He added that national priorities include strengthening community-level response capabilities, integrating disaster education into school curricula under the Pakistan School Safety Framework, and expanding the use of geographic information systems and satellite-based modeling.
The prime minister called for enhanced international cooperation, urging the global community to work collectively toward building a safer and more resilient future.
