The Emergency Services Academy observed the National Disaster Awareness Day pay homage to all those who lost their lives, got injured, and displaced due to the devastating 2005 Earthquake in Pakistan.
In this connection a ceremony of National Disaster Awareness Day was held at Governor House Punjab, Lahore to express solidarity with Earthquake victims and their families. The Governor Punjab, Chaudhary Muhammad Sarwar graced the ceremony as Chief Guest while Commander Pakistan Rescue Team Dr Rizwan Naseer, Rescue Officers from Headquarters and Academy, and the members of the Pakistan Rescue Team (1st United Nations INSARAG Certified Team in South Asia) attended the ceremony.
Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Punjab Ch Sarwar expressed his sorrow and grief over the despondent demises of thousands of people who lost their lives and property in the Earthquake, 2005. One-minute silence was observed and offered a special prayer for people who lost their lives in Earthquake 2005 as well as for national security and safety for the country.
Ch Sarwar expressed that 8th Oct 2005 was a national disaster when we all observed helplessness as people were trapped under the collapsed structure, there was no system of search and rescue, communication system was collapsed badly, experts of search and rescue from other countries took few days to reach and assist the country. Resultantly, large numbers of precious lives and property were lost during this Earthquake 2005 in Pakistan.
Governor Punjab said that every Disaster is an opportunity for development and smart nations learn from the disasters. The way Dr Rizwan Naseer DG Rescue accepted this challenge after this Earthquake 2005 to become the first United Nations INSARAG Certified Team in South Asia is very commendable and I am proud to associate with this organization since its inception.
