Islamabad (Web Desk): The International Day in Memory of the Victims of Earthquakes is being observed across the world today, including in Pakistan, to pay tribute to those who have lost their lives in devastating seismic disasters over the years.
Historical records show that since 1900, at least 12 catastrophic earthquakes have each resulted in the deaths of more than 50,000 people, underlining the immense human toll caused by such natural tragedies.
In a message issued on the occasion, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif urged the global community to reinforce joint cooperation and coordinated efforts in responding to natural disasters, particularly earthquakes and their aftermath.
He stated that Pakistan stands alongside nations around the world in expressing sympathy and solidarity with people affected by earthquakes and other calamities.
Referring to the massive earthquake that struck Pakistan in October 2005, the prime minister noted that the disaster led the country to introduce wide-ranging institutional reforms aimed at improving its disaster preparedness and management system.
PM Shehbaz further highlighted the importance of providing equal access to early warning mechanisms and stressed the need to develop infrastructure capable of withstanding earthquakes in order to minimize future losses.
In April 2025, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) officially declared April 29 as the International Day in Memory of the Victims of Earthquakes. The resolution called on UN member states, organizations within the UN system, and other relevant international bodies to jointly observe the day.
By adopting the resolution, the General Assembly reaffirmed its support for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and also referenced the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030, acknowledging that natural disasters continue to hinder sustainable progress worldwide.
The resolution emphasized that better understanding of disaster risks, stronger preventive and mitigation measures, and improved preparedness and response strategies remain vital for safeguarding human lives and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by the year 2030.