In Azad Jammu and Kashmir, the 18th anniversary of the 2005 earthquake was observed today [Sunday] to express solidarity with victims. The day dawned with special prayers in mosques for high ranks of the martyr’s souls, the prosperity and development of Pakistan and the early liberation of the Indian Illegally Occupied Kashmir.
Following the blowing siren, a one-minute silence was observed at all district headquarters at 08.52 am to pay respect to the martyrs. Quran Khwani, prayer ceremonies, documentary shows depicting events of miseries, pictorial exhibitions, awareness walks, candle vigils, seminars and speech contests were held in all ten districts of the state.
All three stations of Azad Kashmir Radio are broadcasting documentaries and discussions on the occasion. Despite the passage of 18 years, work on 811 projects of reconstruction in the areas devastated by the October 8, 2005 earthquake is yet to get underway while 919 projects could not be completed due to paucity of funds.—INP
