ISLAMABAD, Oct 7: Sirens will be sounded across the country at 8:49am on Sunday and people will observe a one-minute silence at 8:50am in memory of those killed in the devastating earthquake one year ago.

The day will dawn with special prayers at mosques.

The government has decided to observe October 8 as the ‘Commemoration Day’ and with a pledge that no negligence will be tolerated in the rehabilitation of survivors and reconstruction of the affected areas, says a statement issued here on Saturday.

President Musharraf will spend the day in Muzaffarabad, Chakothi, Ghari Habibullah and Mansehra and distribute gifts among children and women. He will also inspect the reconstruction work. Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz will visit Batagram, Dhadhar and Bagh.

Pakistan Post Office will issue a commemorative postage stamp of Rs5 denomination marking the first anniversary of the quake.—Agencies