Islamabad, October 7,2026: Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has called for further strengthening Pakistan’s disaster preparedness and response capacity as the country observes the 21st anniversary of the devastating October 8, 2005 earthquake.
In his message, the National Assembly speaker said the tragedy that struck 21 years ago remained fresh in the hearts of the entire nation. He said the loss of precious human lives and widespread destruction in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and other affected areas was an unforgettable national tragedy.
Ayaz Sadiq expressed solidarity with the families affected by the earthquake and shared their grief over the losses and hardships they endured.
He said the unity, compassion and collective sense of responsibility demonstrated by the Pakistani nation after the disaster represented a proud chapter in the country’s history. People from across Pakistan, relief organizations, volunteers, the armed forces and civil society participated in rescue and relief operations.
The speaker particularly appreciated the role of the Pakistan Army in rescue and relief efforts, saying its personnel provided every possible assistance to people in the affected areas.
He said the collective efforts and commitment demonstrated during reconstruction and rehabilitation played an important role in restoring normal life in the affected regions.
Ayaz Sadiq said the experience of the 2005 earthquake underscored the need for enhanced preparedness for natural disasters and effective coordination among relevant institutions.
He stressed the need to strengthen early warning systems, local emergency response mechanisms, rescue and relief capabilities and public awareness to minimize the loss of life and property caused by natural disasters.
The speaker prayed for Allah Almighty to grant mercy and eternal peace to those who lost their lives in the October 8 tragedy and give their bereaved families strength and patience to bear the loss.
Deputy Speaker National Assembly Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah said the October 8, 2005 tragedy served as a reminder of the importance of human compassion, mutual cooperation and national unity.
He said effective coordination and collective efforts among the government, relevant institutions, experts and the public were essential to reducing the impact of natural disasters.
The deputy speaker also prayed for the forgiveness of those who lost their lives in the earthquake, patience and strength for their bereaved families, and protection for Pakistan from all kinds of natural disasters.
