Islamabad - National Disaster Awareness Day was observed yesterday (Oct 8) to educate masses for better preparedness against disasters. On the 10th anniversary of the devastating earthquake in Azad Kashmir and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, events were held to pay tributes to the martyrs and other victims of the earthquake, Radio Pakistan reported. In Islamabad, a function was held at F-9 Park to mark the day. In AJK, special prayers were offered in all mosques after Fajr prayers for the martyrs who lost their lives in this catastrophe. AJK PM Chaudhry Abdul Majeed was also present on this occasion.
National Flag along with AJK flag was hoisted half-mast on all public buildings of the state to mark the anniversary. Collective prayers were held in all the quake-hit districts of Azad Kashmir.
Memorial walks, functions and Seminars were also held to pay tributes to the Pakistan Armed Forces, people and government of Pakistan, international community and donor agencies for their contribution for relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction activities in the quake stricken areas.
Meanwhile, Riphah International University Thursday held special prayers for the victims of October 8, 2005 earthquake. A special dua ceremony was organized at the Rawalpindi campus of the university, said a press statement issued by the university adding among others was attended by students, teachers and other staff. Paying rich tributes to the victims of the earthquake, Executive Director Riphah University, Asadullah Khan said that this day is observed in the memory of those people who lost their lives, got injured or were rendered homeless in the disastrous earthquake.
“We must remember all those who became victim of the October 8 earthquake,” he said adding that Riphah University would always fulfil its responsibility of sharing grief of the grieved and help the victims of such tragedies.