Muzaffarabad:Former Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Member of the Legislative Assembly Raja Faisal Mumtaz Rathore has paid tribute to the victims of the devastating October 8, 2005 earthquake, acknowledging the sacrifices of those who lost their lives and expressing gratitude to the Pakistan Armed Forces, international community, NGOs and philanthropists for their role in relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts in the affected areas.
In a message issued on the occasion of the 21st anniversary of the earthquake on Wednesday, Rathore said that the tragedy had left a painful chapter in history, with the wounds of the disaster still fresh and the families of the victims continuing to bear the grief of separation.
‘Life, however, continues to move forward,’ he said, adding that the modern infrastructure and facilities developed in Muzaffarabad, Bagh and Rawalakot were, in many ways, a testament to the sacrifices of those who lost their lives in the earthquake.
The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) central leader said the international community had provided substantial funds on humanitarian grounds for reconstruction, while the Pakistan Armed Forces had played a historic role in rescuing people trapped in the aftermath of the disaster and subsequently contributing to the rehabilitation of survivors and reconstruction of the affected areas.
Rathore called upon the federal government to allocate funds for the completion of development projects initiated in the earthquake-hit areas, with particular emphasis on educational institutions.
He also urged the Azad Kashmir government to make the construction and rehabilitation of educational institutions and health facilities, provision of modern amenities, and improvement of infrastructure key priorities under its 100-day plan.
Rathore said the PPP remained a voice for the rights of the people. He recalled that President Asif Ali Zardari had demonstrated a keen interest in the reconstruction and development of Azad Kashmir, describing his efforts as a source of respect among the people of the region.
He also praised PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari for raising Pakistan’s position on national and international issues at forums, including the United Nations and the European Union. According to Rathore, Bilawal had also effectively presented Pakistan’s national position at international forums following the recent military confrontation and pursued diplomatic efforts on the Kashmir issue.
Rathore said Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir had consistently kept the Kashmir issue among his priorities.
He further said President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had responded to the demands of the people of Azad Kashmir by approving electricity at production cost and subsidized flour, with Rs23 billion allocated for the purpose.
‘The people of Kashmir regard their ideological bond with Pakistan as a precious legacy to be passed on to future generations,’ Rathore said.