Mirpur:An awareness walk was held here on Thursday to pay tribute to the martyrs of the devastating October 8, 2005 earthquake and mark National Disaster Awareness Day, with participants highlighting the importance of public preparedness and timely response to natural disasters.
Chairman Kashmir Orphan Relief Trust (KORT) and veteran philanthropist, Deputy Commissioner Mirpur Syed Imran Abbas Naqvi, SSP Mirpur Khurram Iqbal, Assistant Commissioner Mirpur Mian Hissam Sajid, students of the KORT Educational Complex and various educational institutions, civil society representatives and citizens participated in the walk. Carrying banners and placards highlighting disaster risks, safety measures and emergency preparedness, the participants observed a one-minute silence in memory of the earthquake victims, followed by the sounding of sirens.
Addressing a ceremony at the conclusion of the walk, speakers said the martyrs of the 2005 earthquake remained alive in the hearts of the people and their sacrifices would never be forgotten. They stressed the need for advance planning, effective training, public awareness and timely emergency response to minimize loss of life and property, urging educational institutions to equip students with essential knowledge and skills to deal with emergencies. They also appreciated the role of welfare organizations, including KORT, in post-earthquake rehabilitation, education and support for vulnerable communities.
The ceremony was attended by former Radio Director Muhammad Shakeel, Tehsildar Mirpur Chaudhry Imran Yousaf, MUST Professor Raja Rizwan Ullah Khan, Information Officer Khizar Hayat, senior journalists, religious scholars, police officers, teachers, staff and students of KORT and various public and private educational institutions.
The ceremony concluded with special prayers for the elevation of the ranks of the earthquake martyrs, patience and steadfastness for the bereaved families and affected people, and peace and security in the country and the region.