MUZAFFARABAD: Twenty-one years after the devastating earthquake of October 8, 2005, people across Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) gathered on Thursday to remember their loved ones who lost their lives in one of the country’s deadliest natural disasters.
Special prayer ceremonies were held in Muzaffarabad, Neelum Valley, Haveli and Kotli, where families, students, government officials and rescue workers paid tribute to the victims.
At 8:52 am, sirens were sounded, and people observed one minute of silence in memory of those who died in the tragedy. The moment brought back painful memories for families who lost their relatives, friends and homes.
In Muzaffarabad, the main ceremony was held at the earthquake martyrs’ memorial, where government representatives, military officials, civil society members and citizens gathered to offer prayers. Floral wreaths were laid at the memorial to honour the victims.
In Neelum Valley, hundreds of people attended a prayer ceremony in Athmuqam, including Assistant Commissioner Chaudhry Basharat and people from different walks of life. Another ceremony was held at the District Complex, where participants observed silence after the sounding of sirens.
Similar scenes were witnessed in Haveli, where students, government employees and local officials gathered at the PWD Rest House in Kahuta to remember those who lost their lives.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Deputy Commissioner of Haveli stressed the importance of remaining prepared for natural disasters. Civil Defence officials also demonstrated safety measures and explained the use of emergency rescue equipment.
In Kotli, Rescue 1122 and Civil Defence organised a special prayer ceremony, where participants remembered the victims and prayed for their departed souls.
The 7.6-magnitude earthquake struck on October 8, 2005, causing widespread destruction across AJK and parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. More than 73,000 people lost their lives, while over 100,000 were injured. Thousands of homes, schools and buildings were destroyed, leaving families without shelter.
