AJK to mark 21st anniversary of Oct. 8, 2005 earthquake tomorrow with focus on disaster preparedness;

Islamabad : The government and people of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) will observe the 21st anniversary of the devastating October 8, 2005 earthquake on Thursday with solemn ceremonies to pay tribute to the victims and raise public awareness about disaster preparedness.

Special prayers will  be offered in mosques across AJK, while a two-minute silence will be observed at 8:52 a.m. in memory of the victims.

The anniversary observance will highlight the importance of preparedness, mitigation and effective response to natural disasters, with walks, seminars and symposiums planned across the state to promote public awareness and safety.

The occasion will also recall the impact of the September 24, 2019 earthquake in Mirpur and adjoining areas, which claimed 45 lives and injured more than 1,000 people.

Like all previous years a major commemorative ceremony will be held at the Kashmir Orphan Relief Trust (KORT) and Educational Complex in Mirpur, where dignitaries, social workers, volunteers and representatives of various institutions will participate.

The government has declared October 8 a gazetted holiday throughout AJK to facilitate public participation in commemorative activities and provide an opportunity to remember those who lost their lives in the disaster.

In the aftermath of the 2005 earthquake, a number of major rehabilitation and reconstruction projects were completed in AJK under a phased development programme, with substantial support from the Government of Pakistan, national and international NGOs and friendly countries.

The initiatives helped restore infrastructure and provide improved civic facilities in the quake-affected areas.