On 8 October 2005, a massive earthquake struck northern Pakistan, killing 70,000 people, injuring 70,000 and leaving 3.5 million homeless.

Snow fell across the earthquake zone, cutting off the remote mountain communities from outside help.

CaritasPakistan received US$8 million from Caritas members worldwide and took on the leading role responding to the emergency, providing temporary winter shelters, basic items such as hygiene kits and kitchen equipment, and health care assistance. Within the first year, 18,000 people were living in earthquake-proof shelters thanks to Caritas and Wales (CAFOD),United States of America (Catholic Relief Services/CRS), Caritas France Secours Catholique Caritas Switzerland staff worked closely with Caritas Pakistan on the response.

CaritasUnited States ran livelihood programmes in Pakistan where people traded in vouchers for replacement equipment or livestock. Each family received US$200 in vouchers to spend at the local store or with the local livestock vendor in exchange for sewing machines, tools, goats, animal sheds, seeds, or fertilizer.

Caritas Pakistan is helping communities to cope better with future disasters by training them in first aid and rescue techniques. Training includes how to move the injured from collapsed buildings, resuscitation and how to make splints.