MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): The citizens of Azad Jammu and Kashmir commemorated solemnly today the 20th anniversary of the devastating October 8, 2005 earthquake.
The devastating earthquake killed over 73,000 people and left over 100,000 injured, presenting one of the darkest days in the history of the area.
Ceremonies held across AJK
A special ceremony was conducted at the District Complex Rawalakot to remember the martyrs of the tragedy.
The ceremony started at 8:52 AM, the very same moment the earthquake occurred, with a siren and a minute of silence being observed in honor of the victims of the 2005 earthquake.
The ritual was attended by the Deputy Commissioner, SSP Poonch, administrative officers, political leaders, and representatives of civil society, besides a large number of men and women. Prayers were recited for the souls of the martyrs, the safety of Pakistan, and independence for Kashmir.
Throughout the region, rallies and prayer sessions were organized in schools and religious institutions to commemorate the loss of lives.
Two Decades of Rebuilding and Resilience
In commemoration of the 20th anniversary, Secretary SERA Khalid Mahmood Mirza revealed that the 2005 earthquake hit 56 percent of the population of Azad Kashmir and obliterated 53 percent of the health, education, water supply, and communications infrastructure.
The damage was estimated at more than Rs 125 billion, which necessitated the initiation of Operation Lifeline by the Government of Pakistan and the Pakistan Army, an iconic relief and rehabilitation exercise.
Under the Build Back Better vision, IRRA and SERA spearheaded reconstruction work that became a benchmark of resilience and good planning. Their excellent work won IRRA the United Nations Sasakawa Award in 2011.
Progress of Reconstruction
7,608 projects were initiated in Azad Kashmir and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, of which 5,878 have been completed and 919 are under construction. Work could not be initiated on 811 projects for financial reasons.
Significant industry advancement comprises:
- Education: 2,718 projects initiated; 1,606 completed, 515 ongoing.
- Health: 160 projects initiated; 119 completed, 21 ongoing.
- Governance: 223 projects initiated; 161 completed, 60 ongoing.
- Water and Sanitation: 2,795 projects initiated; 2,714 completed.
The size of the reconstruction program has swollen to Rs 225 billion, of which Rs 181 billion have been utilized. Another Rs 44 billion will be needed to finish outstanding projects, including 476 girls’ schools, which lag due to a lack of funds.
A campaign has been launched to get Rs 1 billion from the federal government towards the completion of 65 priority school projects.
A Legacy of Resilience and Solidarity
Authorities paid homage to the unrivaled tenacity and resilience demonstrated by the people of Azad Kashmir following the earthquake.
“The history of the affected districts is one of perseverance and reconstruction against adversity,” a senior official averred.
As the country recalls October 8, 2005, the day stands as a harsh reminder of loss, and a resounding testament to the people of Kashmir’s resilience, faith, and solidarity.
