MUZAFFARABAD, Nov 17: Azad Kashmir’s quake-hit city of Muzaffarabad on Thursday celebrated its first wedding since last month’s massive tremor reduced it to rubble, with the ceremony geared towards boosting morale. Dozens of politicians and hundreds of townsfolk swarmed to a makeshift wedding place in a scrubby field for the nuptials of a local policeman and his young bride.

“This shows the world that life is going on — that there must be joy amongst the tragedy,” said national assembly parliamentary leader of the pro-government Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) party, Mohammad Farooq Sattar, one of the guest dignitaries.

Others included federal Communications Minister Mohammad Shamim Siddiqui and Housing Minister Syed Safwanullah.

“This should remind the world not to forget about us — that we are still human and we are still in need,” Siddiqui said.

Kashif Hussain Kiani, 28, married Somia Shafiq, 22, in the shadow of the groom’s wrecked family home and beneath crisp blue skies teeming with relief helicopters flying aid to isolated villages.

The union was arranged by their parents earlier this year.

The local branch of the MQM offered to pay for the event, earning itself a little publicity.

The newlyweds had planned to spend their wedding night in the groom’s family home. But after it was destroyed in last month’s quake, the MQM stepped in to provide them with a dowry of a temporary tin home, including bed and furniture.—AFP