PRIME MINISTER’S MESSAGE ON "NATIONAL RESILIENCE DAY" -  8TH OCTOBER, 2024 

Pakistan's saga is of immense resolve and demonstrated ability to resurface amidst  catastrophes and national crises, induced by Climate Change and environmental hazards. Momentous day of 8 Oct 2005 earthquake reminds us of the great tragedy  that befell upon Pakistan and our heartfelt prayers goes to all those who endured loss  of lives and properties. 

The Flood 2022 was a mega disaster surpassing all past record. Pakistan is facing  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 feel contended that Pakistan NDMA has changed national response, towards such  natural calamities, by proactively working at reducing vulnerability to disasters and providing coping mechanisms and framework for effective disaster management. 

NDMA's National Emergencies Operation Center (NEOC) is unparalleled in its capacities and  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. Preparedness through proactive mechanisms will provide maximized readiness time and help reducing losses to economy from huge stresses I recommend 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, military and private sectors. Whole of society approach is required; balancing shared and joint  equitable response amongst public, private and international support bases, besides enabling state and people to be able to help themselves with or without external support. Frequent coordination, development of contingency plans and risk communication to farthest communities is critical for national resilience.

National Resilience Day persuade us to embrace 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.

I urge all Federal and Provincial stakeholders to collaborate closely to reduce disaster risks, enhance preparedness and establish swift response mechanism through usage of latest technology. We need to hold welfare of the vulnerable 
segments at priority.

On this occasion, I express our gratitude for the valuable help provided by international community, civil society, and private philanthropy in bolstering our national response efforts during 2022 floods disaster.

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 are vivid examples of their  benevolence. By grace of Allah we have always fought, and continue to fight through all such calamities with help of our brave Pakistani brethren and sisters.

May Allah guide and help us in building a strong and resilient Pakistan.