ISLAMABAD: The 13th anniversary of martyrs of deadly earthquake of October 8, 2005 was observed across Pakistan including Azad Jammu and Kashmir today.
Special prayers were offered in the mosques at Fajr for the departed souls. Prayers were also offered for progress and prosperity of Pakistan.
It may be recalled that around one hundred thousand people had lost their lives in the massive earthquake measured at 7.6 on Richter scale.
Most of the casualties had occurred in Azad Kashmir, Radio Pakistan reported.
In AJK, 13th anniversary to pay tributes and commemoration to the martyrs and victims of catastrophic earthquake 2005 is being observed today.
Today is general public holiday. Prayer ceremonies, Quran Khawani, documentaries show depicting events of miseries, pictorial exhibitions, awareness walks, candle vigils, seminars and speech contests are being held in all ten districts of the state.
Main Prayer Ceremony was held at Muzaffarabad this morning.
AJK Ministers Barrister Iftikhar Gilani thanked government of Pakistan, Pak Army and people for prompt response and active part in relief and rehabilitation activities soon after the devastating earthquake 2005.
He vowed to accomplish all ongoing reconstruction projects in education sector as early as possible. He said international donors have accomplished some international standard hospitals while work on others is speedily underway.
AJK Radio was broadcasting documentaries and discussions on the observance of the day.
APP