KARACHI, Sept 14: A book recounting the experiences of the affectees of the devastating earthquake of Oct 8, 2005 was launched here on Thursday at the Karachi Press Club.

The book titled 8:50am 8 October 2005: Stories of Hope and Courage from the Earthquake in Pakistan, has been compiled by Fatima Bhutto who, while visiting the affected areas, met the earthquake survivors and volunteers and recorded their harrowing tales of coping with the tragedy.

These stories articulate the physical and emotional trauma faced by the children and is a tribute to their hopes, courage, and resilience in the face of catastrophe.

The book, published by the Oxford University Press, has also been translated into Urdu by Shahid Mansoor, a senior journalist.

All profits and royalties from the sale of the book will go towards the rehabilitation of children affected by the earthquake.

Fatima Bhutto published her first book, Whispers of the Desert, a collection of poetry dedicated to her father, when she was 15.

Addressing the gathering at KPC, Fatima Bhutto recalled how after seeing the death and damage in the earthquake-stricken areas, she was determined to play some part in the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the lives of the victims. She decided that her contributions would be through collecting and preserving the first-hand impressions of those affected.

Ameena Saiyid, Ghazi Salahuddin and Faisal Edhi commended Fatima Bhutto's invaluable effort in eliciting and recording the personal narratives of tragedy.

—APP