AJK PM for effective disaster response

MUZAFFARABAD: Prime Minister of Azad Kashmir, Chudhary Anwar ul Haq, emphasized the urgent need for effective disaster response and rehabilitation strategies to minimize loss of life and damage to infrastructure during natural calamities.

He said this during a function held to honor the victims of the devastating 2005 earthquake in Azad Kashmir. Speaking at the event, the prime minister reflected on how the earthquake reduced large parts of the region to rubble and destroyed decades of infrastructure. He noted that the impact of this tragedy would be felt for a long time. Stressing the importance of preventive measures, he stated, “We must be aware of the environmental and climatic changes taking place in the region.” He highlighted that Azad Kashmir ranks sixth among the regions most affected by climate change and called for steps to protect the environment.

“We need to rely on our own resources and stand on our own feet,” he added. In light of climate change, he emphasizsed the need to preserve and expand forests through plantation efforts. While acknowledging the progress made in Azad Kashmir since the disaster, he asserted, “There is still much more to be done.”

The AJK PM acknowledged that while it is impossible to prevent natural calamities, effective disaster response and rehabilitation strategies can significantly reduce the loss of life and damage to infrastructure. He expressed a commitment to building a better future with renewed determination and passion, highlighting the government’s focus on creating a systematic and effective administrative structure for managing natural disasters. He noted that the establishment of the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) is a crucial step in this direction.

In his address, the prime minister also expressed gratitude to the international community, stating that the people of Azad Kashmir will never forget the exemplary support provided by international institutions, NGOs, and other organizations in rehabilitating earthquake survivors. The ceremony was attended by AJK Minister for Information Pir Mazhar Saeed Shah, Secretary of the Disaster Management Authority Ms Tehzeeb un-Nissa, and others.