Yaum-e-Istiqamat: remembering victims of natural disasters

On the occasion of Yaum-e-Istiqamat (Perseverance Day), Pakistan’s caretaker Prime Minister, Anwar Haq Kakar, delivered a resolute message highlighting the country’s shift from a reactive to a proactive approach in disaster management. The Prime Minister emphasized the existence of a robust institutional framework consisting of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs).

In his message, the interim premier underscored the vulnerability of Pakistan to various types of disasters due to its geographical location. He pointed out the recurring natural calamities, including earthquakes, floods, glacier bursts, and forest fires, that have inflicted substantial damage to the nation.

Highlighting the economic and human toll of these disasters, Prime Minister Kakar stated, “Natural calamities have cost Pakistan loss of precious human lives and billions of dollars in infrastructure.” He particularly noted the devastating floods of the previous year, which wreaked havoc in Sindh and Balochistan, resulting in the loss of over 1,700 lives and leaving more than 12,000 people injured, while affecting the lives of 33 million individuals.

President Dr. Arif Alvi also shared his message on National Resilience Day, emphasizing the need to implement effective methods, policies, and strategies to enhance the country’s disaster management capacity. He called for close collaboration to reduce risk, improve preparedness, and establish rapid response mechanisms aided by modern technological tools.

President Alvi’s statement on Perseverance Day commemorated the historic natural disasters that have affected Pakistan over the years, including the devastating earthquake of 2005, which caused massive destruction in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Islamabad. The President reaffirmed the nation’s commitment to bolster its preparedness and disaster management capabilities at the national level in response to such challenges.

These messages on Perseverance Day underscore Pakistan’s determination to proactively manage disasters, mitigate their impact on human lives and infrastructure, and enhance the resilience of the nation in the face of natural calamities. The government’s commitment to strengthening disaster management institutions and promoting cooperation on this critical issue reflects a forward-looking approach to safeguarding Pakistan’s future.