President Asif Ali Zardari has called for regional cooperation and global initiatives to strengthen disaster risk reduction, stressing the need to shift from disaster response to preparedness.
In his message on International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, observed on October 13, the president said Pakistan had experienced floods, earthquakes, heatwaves and droughts, underscoring the heavy human and economic costs of disasters.
He said the country had learned that preparedness is essential and that the traditional approach of responding after a disaster strikes is no longer sufficient.
The president said Pakistan was transforming its disaster management system by using artificial intelligence, satellite technology and real-time data to identify emerging threats, issue early warnings and help communities move to safety before disasters struck.
Emphasising the role of local governments and communities, he said local administrations and community volunteers were often the first to respond during emergencies because of their familiarity with local terrain and populations.
He called upon national and international organisations to make disaster preparedness a core component of their work, adding that Pakistan’s experience could offer valuable lessons to the international community.
President Zardari also urged nations to regionalise disaster risk reduction by strengthening cooperation among areas facing shared risks. He stressed that early warning systems must facilitate the rapid exchange of information across national borders.
The president called for a global water resilience programme, a global cryosphere protection initiative and a global food security and climate adaptation fund. He also underscored the need for stronger environmental protection laws and greater international cooperation on shared rivers and common disaster risks.
Recalling the resilience and courage demonstrated by Pakistanis during disasters, he acknowledged the contributions of communities rebuilding their lives, volunteers risking their safety to help others and scientists working to save lives.
President Zardari expressed confidence that Pakistan could emerge as a leader in addressing climate-related disasters rather than remain a victim of their impacts.
He urged collective and timely action to build a disaster-resilient Pakistan, reaffirming the country’s determination to strengthen its preparedness and resilience.
Separately, Foreign Secretary Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad who called on President Asif Ali Zardari on Monday here at Aiwan-e-Sadr.
The president congratulated Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad on assuming his new assignment and expressed confidence that he would bring his experience and commitment to advancing Pakistan’s foreign policy interests, a Presidency’s news release said.
He emphasised the importance of strengthening Pakistan’s relations with countries around the world, promoting constructive diplomatic engagement and advancing mutually beneficial cooperation. The president wished the Foreign Secretary success in carrying out his responsibilities.
Meanwhile, Zardari on Monday extended his warm felicitations to Prince Rahim Aga Khan on the occasion of his birthday.
The president, in his message, appreciated the valuable contributions of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) and the Aga Khan Foundation in Pakistan and around the world, particularly in the sectors of health, education, women’s empowerment, and sustainable livelihoods.
President Zardari wished Prince Rahim Aga Khan good health and continued success in his endeavours to improve lives.