Islamabad: National Resilience Day is being observed across the country today (Wednesday) to express solidarity with the victims of 2005 earthquake.

In their separate messages on the occasion, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif have called for focusing on focusing on mitigating the impacts of climate change through effective coordination and construction of climate resilient infrastructure.

In his message, President Asif Ali Zardari said, 'On 8th October each year, we remember the devastating earthquake of 2005, which claimed over 80,000 precious lives, injured countless others, and left millions homeless. We also pay tribute to those who came together in solidarity and endured the devastating impacts of all natural and induced disasters in Pakistan's archives.'

'This year marks the twentieth anniversary of 2005 earthquake, a powerful testament to the unbreakable spirit of the Pakistani people. In the face of unimaginable tragedy, we rose together Neighbours became rescuers, strangers became family, and our nation emerged stronger, more united, and more determined to build a resilient future. From the ashes of disaster, we have rebuilt schools, hospitals, and homes. We have learned that true strength lies not in avoiding adversity but in overcoming it with faith, unity, and innovation. As we look ahead, let us forge a nation where no disaster can break our resolve,' he said.

'This year too we experienced, yet another Monsoon flood with sizeable, affected population is still displaced out of homes. Huge losses have been reported in agriculture, infrastructure, services and livelihoods. It is a stark reminder of ever-growing threats of climate change. Despite our negligible contribution to global carbon emissions, Pakistan like many other small developing economies continues to bear a disproportionate share of its consequences,' he added.

'Over the years, Pakistan's disaster management framework has made important strides, transitioning to become one template of excellence. Pakistan National Disasters Management Authority has crafted state of art National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC) - harnessing advanced technology for early warning and risk assessment. Our national response has become more coordinated and robust. Magnitude of recurring disasters underscores the urgent need for stronger preparedness sustainable development and whole-of-society engagement,' he maintained.

He said, 'On this "National Resilience Day, I call upon all federal and provincial institutions and stakeholders, civil society, academia and the private sector to work in synergy to reduce impact of calamities, enhance shared preparedness and safeguard all in need.'

In his message, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif said, 'Today, on 20th anniversary of 2005 earthquake not only we are reminded of the immense losses and damages to the infrastructure, but also of the incomparable courage with which the Nation rose in unity to recover from that catastrophe. The devastating earthquake of 2005 remains etched in our collective memory, a tragedy that reshaped communities and validated the strength, compassion, and resilience of people of Pakistan.'

'This year, Pakistan again faced climate fury through devastating monsoon floods, which displaced millions, inundated vast swathes of land, and caused colossal damage to homes and livelihoods. Alhamdulillah! we once again exhibited our traditional resilience against climate-induced natural hazards,' he said.

He said, 'Despite all odds, Government of Pakistan remains firmly committed standing with its people in trying times of post disasters recovery. We have learnt to mobilize all national resources through all out support of provincial governments, armed forces, rescue services, humanitarian partners, private sector and civil society. While the task ahead has always been enormous, the resolve remained matching, vibrant and arrayed.'

He maintained, 'We must continue to learn from past experiences and adapt our strategies to an evolving climate reality that spares no nation. Floods, earthquakes, heatwaves, forest fires, droughts, urban flooding, and glacial melts are all stark reminders of the risks we face. Building resilience in such a complex environment demands a comprehensive and proactive approach enabled by reliable data, advanced risk analyses and targeted preparedness.'

He maintained, 'Pakistan has credible early warning systems and disaster management capabilities through technologies housed at National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC) of National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). Insha Allah, we would continue replicating greater synergies, shared best practices and whole of the system act to protect our people. I urge all citizens, from urban centres to rural villages, to participate in disaster preparedness initiatives. Learn local disaster management efforts, and advocate for sustainable practices to mitigate climate-related risks.'

'On this National Resilience Day, I reaffirm our government's vision to strengthen national capacities of disaster risk reduction policies and protecting vulnerable segments of society. Together, with unity of purpose, we will succeed in shaping a safer and more resilient Pakistan,' he concluded.