ISLAMABAD: The memory of the devastating Oct 8, 2005 earthquake remains deeply etched in the national consciousness as National Assembly SpeakerSardar Ayaz Sadiq remembered the victims of the tragedy and called for strengthening national disaster preparedness to minimise the loss of future calamities.
Commemorating the 21st anniversary of the catastrophe, which caused widespread destruction and an unforgettable loss of precious human lives across Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the speaker emphasised the critical need for robust emergency readiness and unified national cooperation.
Reflecting on the colossal scale of destruction, Speaker Ayaz Sadiq extended his profound solidarity to the affected families who endured unimaginable hardships, noting that the disaster left wounds that time has not fully healed.
Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq said the unity, compassion and collective sense of responsibility demonstrated by the Pakistani nation in the aftermath of the Oct 8, 2005 tragedy constituted a proud chapter in the country’s history.
He said people from across the country, relief organisations, volunteers, the armed forces and civil society came forward and actively participated in relief operations.
He particularly appreciated the role of the armed forces who played an active role in rescue and relief operations and provided every possible assistance to the people in the affected areas.
He said the collective efforts and unwavering commitment demonstrated during the reconstruction and rehabilitation process played a significant role in restoring normal life in the affected areas.
Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq said the experience of the 2005 earthquake underscored the importance of enhanced preparedness for natural disasters and effective coordination among relevant institutions.
He said that early warning systems, local-level emergency response arrangements, rescue and relief capabilities, and public awareness needed to be further strengthened to minimise the loss of life and property caused by natural disasters.
National Assembly Deputy SpeakerSyed Ghulam Mustafa Shah said the Oct 8, 2005 tragedy serves 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.
Published in Dawn, October 8th, 2026
