MUZAFFARABAD: The 21st anniversary of the devastating Oct 8, 2005 earthquake was observed across Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) on Thursday with prayer ceremonies and events highlighting the need for disaster preparedness, safer construction and coordinated response to emergencies.

The main ceremony was held at the Khurshid Hassan Khurshid Stadium in the heart of Muzaffarabad, which had been turned into a tent settlement for survivors on the evening of the earthquake and remained so for a considerable period. A black marble monument to the martyrs has since been built on the western side of the stadium.

At 8:52am, the time the earthquake struck, sirens were sounded in memory of the victims and a minute’s silence was observed.

Prime Minister Iftikhar Gillani laid a floral wreath at the martyrs’ memorial and offered prayers and Fateha, which was led by MLA Pir Mazhar Saeed. A police contingent presented a guard of honour at the memorial.

Schoolchildren presented a tableau highlighting earthquake awareness and preparedness for natural disasters. The prime minister later distributed shields among students who secured top positions in a speech competition and organisations and institutions recognised for their welfare services.

Mr Gillani also visited awareness and relief stalls set up by Rescue 1122 and the Red Crescent, where he was briefed about their activities. Rescue personnel demonstrated emergency response and relief operations.

Addressing the ceremony, the AJK premier said the wounds inflicted by the Oct 8, 2005 earthquake were still fresh and its impact could never be erased from the collective memory.

He paid tribute to the Pakistan Army for its role in the rescue, relief and rehabilitation of earthquake victims and acknowledged the contribution of the Pakistani people, friendly countries and international organisations.

“The support extended by the Pakistani nation, friendly countries and international organisations made the massive reconstruction effort possible,” he said, adding that the services rendered by institutions and relief workers during the post-earthquake phase would remain unforgettable.

Mr Gillani said the reconstruction process was still incomplete and the remaining projects would be pursued, with completion of earthquake-damaged school buildings among the government’s priorities.

He urged citizens to strictly follow building codes to minimise losses in future disasters and said strengthening disaster management and building resilience remained among his government’s priorities.

“Disasters cannot always be prevented, but their impact can be reduced through preparedness, resilient infrastructure, enforcement of building codes and stronger institutional capacity,” he said.

Ministers, Assembly members, senior government officials and a large number of citizens attended the ceremony.

According to official sources, similar ceremonies were held by district administrations in Neelum, Jhelum Valley, Bagh, Haveli, Mirpur, Bhimber and Kotli districts to remember the victims and pay tribute to those who took part in rescue, relief and reconstruction efforts.

Speakers at the ceremonies said standing by one another in times of crisis was a hallmark of a responsible and resilient society.

They said although nothing could compensate for the lives lost in the earthquake, public awareness, adoption of safety measures, timely emergency response and enhanced institutional capacity could help minimise casualties and material losses in future disasters.

They also paid tribute to government institutions, armed forces personnel, relief organisations, volunteers and other workers who contributed to rescue, rehabilitation and reconstruction after the catastrophe.

Published in Dawn, October 9th, 2026