Muzaffarabad:Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Prime Minister Barrister Iftikhar Gilani, has said that the wounds of the 2005 earthquake remain still fresh while its devastating impacts continue to bruise hearts and minds of the survivors despite the passage of 21 years.
Addressing the main ceremony to commemorate the earthquake victims here on Thursday, the prime minister said that the reconstruction process following the disaster was yet to be completed and the remaining projects would also be completed.
The prime minister paid eulogizing tributes to the Pakistan Army for its services in the rehabilitation of earthquake victims.
“The Pakistani nation’s spirit of sacrifice and support for the affected people was unparalleled,” he added. He also acknowledged the friendly countries, international organizations, and institutions, saying reconstruction would not have been possible without their support.
Prime Minister Gilani said that the government’s priority was to complete the buildings of schools damaged in the earthquake. He urged citizens to avoid unsafe construction and strictly follow building codes. Earlier, the prime minister attended the main ceremony held in memory of the victims of the October 8, 2005, earthquake. Sirens were sounded at 8: 52am, and one minute of silence was observed. The prime minister also laid a floral wreath at the Martyrs’ Memorial and offered prayers.
On this occasion, a smartly turned out AJK Police contingent presented a guard of honor at the memorial. The prime minister distributed shields among students who secured prominent positions in speech competitions. He also appreciated social and welfare organizations for their outstanding welfare services.
Prime minister also inspected stalls set up by the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) and the Red Crescent and witnessed a practical rescue drill by Rescue 1122. The ceremony was attended by ministers, members of the Legislative Assembly, government officials, and a large number of people hailing from different walks of life.