Abdul Basit Alvi
ON 8 October 2005 at 8:50 a.m., a devastating 7.6-magnitude earthquake struck Kashmir for 60 seconds. In the aftermath of the disaster, more than 73,000 people lost their lives, 128,000 were injured and three million were left homeless as infrastructure, roads and entire villages collapsed. General Pervez Musharraf ordered a full mobilization of the Pakistan Army, which served as first responders by deploying rescue teams with search dogs and thermal cameras to free survivors from concrete rubble. Soldiers and medical personnel set up field hospitals, delivered aid by hand and helicopter and managed relief camps that provided hot food, clean water, shelter and medical surgeries. Moving into long-term recovery, army engineers cleared landslide debris and repaired critical transportation routes like the Karakoram Highway and Neelum Valley Road, while constructing schools, homes and hospitals and helping local farmers resume agriculture. Their continuous involvement provided emotional support to grieving families, strengthening the bond between civilians and the armed forces and earning national and international praise. Reflecting on this tragedy brings immense sadness for the loss of life, but also profound pride in how the military and the nation stood united in courage, service and sacrifice.
The people of Pakistan appreciate the services of the Pakistan Army during and after the earthquake of 8 October. They appreciate the soldiers who risked their lives to save others. They appreciate the pilots who flew in dangerous conditions to deliver supplies. They appreciate the doctors who worked day and night to treat the injured. They appreciate the engineers who rebuilt the roads and bridges. They appreciate the officers who planned and coordinated the massive relief operation. They appreciate everyone who played a role in the response. They appreciate the Army as an institution. They appreciate what it stands for. They appreciate what it does. They feel proud to have such an Army. They feel proud that their Army is always ready to help the country and its people. They feel proud that their Army can tackle any internal and external challenge. This is the feeling of the nation. This is the sentiment of the people. This is the truth that cannot be denied.
The earthquake of 2005 was a defining moment in the history of Pakistan. It was a moment of tragedy. It was a moment of suffering. It was a moment of loss. But it was also a moment of heroism. It was a moment of service. It was a moment of unity. It was a moment when the Pakistan Army stood with the nation. It was a moment when the nation stood with the Pakistan Army. It was a moment that showed the world what Pakistan is made of. It was a moment that showed the world what the Pakistan Army is made of. It was a moment that will never be forgotten. It was a moment that will always be remembered. It was a moment that will always be a source of pride. The earth shook on that day. But the Pakistan Army stood firm. The nation stood firm. And together, they overcame the challenge. Together, they rebuilt what was lost. Together, they moved forward. This is the story of 8 October. This is the story of the Pakistan Army. This is the story of Pakistan.
