Today marks the 19th anniversary of the devastating October 8, 2005 earthquake that shook Islamabad, Kashmir, and several regions across Pakistan. This catastrophic event, which measured 7.6 on the Richter scale, brought unimaginable destruction and left lasting impacts on millions of lives.
In Muzaffarabad, one of the hardest-hit areas in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), a memorial ceremony was held at University College Ground to pay tribute to the victims. Azad Kashmir Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq led the event, offering prayers and laying flowers in honor of those who lost their lives. A minute of silence followed the sounding of a siren, and a police contingent visited the memorial to show respect for the departed.
Similar commemorations took place across AJK and Mirpur, where communities gathered to remember the victims. The events serve as a solemn reminder of the over 74,000 lives lost, 125,000 people left disabled, and 3.5 million displaced by the earthquake. Despite nearly two decades since the disaster, the sorrow and memories remain vivid for survivors and families who continue to grieve.
A remembrance walk was organized from Quaid-e-Azam Stadium, while prayers were offered during Fajr for those who perished. These acts of remembrance highlight the resilience of the affected communities and honor the enduring spirit of the survivors.
The 2005 earthquake remains one of Pakistan’s deadliest natural disasters. Even after 19 years, the emotional scars endure, as families recall the tragic losses and the swift devastation. While physical wounds have healed, the impact of that day still resonates deeply with those who lived through it.
