Pakistan PM Shehbaz: Solidarity with Global Earthquake, Disaster Victims; Emphasizes Cooperation and Resilience

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reaffirmed his country’s commitment to disaster preparedness and resilience. In a message issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, he stated that Pakistan stands in solidarity with communities worldwide affected by earthquakes and other natural disasters.

The prime minister noted that International Disaster Reduction Day serves as both a tribute to lives lost and a call for global cooperation in reducing risks. He emphasized the need for improved infrastructure, comprehensive planning, and widespread public awareness.

Sharif highlighted the 2005 Kashmir earthquake, which claimed over 80,000 lives and displaced nearly three million people. This disaster was described as defining moment in Pakistan’s history, prompting major institutional reforms including the establishment of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).

The NDMA now uses geospatial technologies, historical data, and fault-line analysis to identify high-risk areas and support preparedness efforts. 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.

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. Sharif called for enhanced international cooperation to build a safer and more resilient future.