Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Wednesday that improvement in infrastructure is essential to reduce the devastating effects of natural disasters.
In his message on the International Day in Memory of the Victims of Earthquakes, the prime minister said Pakistan stands in solidarity with victims of earthquakes and other natural disasters across the world.
He said the purpose of the day is to express sympathy with earthquake victims and to highlight the importance of international cooperation at the global level.
The prime minister said early warning technologies and strengthening of structures are necessary to guard against natural disasters.
He said the devastating earthquake of October 2005 remains etched in the national memory, with more than 80,000 people losing their lives and around three million rendered homeless in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
He said the 2005 tragedy left deep human, social and economic impacts, while also reminding the nation of its resilience, collective resolve and courage.
The prime minister said Pakistan introduced comprehensive institutional reforms after the 2005 disaster, adding that the establishment of the National Disaster Management Authority marked a significant milestone in forming a coordinated national framework.
He said Pakistan reaffirms its commitment to the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030 and emphasises the need for capacity building and public awareness at the national level.
He said the government remains committed to building a safer and more resilient future and urged the international community to strengthen collective efforts.
