On the eve of first anniversary of the devastating October 8, 2005, earthquake, a number of governmental and non-governmental organisations have arranged commemorative gatherings, seminars, and walks to express solidarity with the victims of the calamity in which over 73,000 people died, more than 75,000 were injured.
A generation of school- and college-going boys/girls was lost; and 3.5 million people were rendered shelterless and entire infrastructure in the Northern Pakistan was devastated.
Analysts say that though it was an unprecedented tragedy in the 60 years' history of the nation, which has had more than its share of calamities, the response and resolve of the nation and co-operation and support of the international community from all nooks and corners of the globe was equally epic and exemplary.
President General Pervez Musharraf here on Thursday presided over a review of the rescue, relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction work undertaken by the Earthquake Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Authority (Erra) during the past one year, and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz on Friday approved Rs 3 billion for early payment as housing subsidy to the affected people in NWFP & AJK for construction of houses.
Minister for Information & Broadcasting Muhammad Ali Durrani will lead a 'Solidarity Walk with Earthquake Survivors' on Saturday at Balakot and would distribute relief goods among the needy.
'Islamic Relief' has organised a 'Commemoration Ceremony' in Muzaffarabad on Saturday to remember those who lost their lives due to the earthquake and the sufferings of those who survived. After the relief phase, 'IR' Pakistan has started rehabilitation & reconstruction activities mainly dealing with compensation for more than 5,000 houses reconstruction and income generation in different parts of Bagh, Rawalakot and Neelum valley.
The Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) and Sungi Development Foundation have jointly organised a seminar on Monday to remember the earthquake victims and review the relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction work in the affected areas with focus on the issue of landless affectees.
The United Nations Resident Co-ordinator in Pakistan & the humanitarian community are holding a commemorative gathering at Fatima Jinnah Park, Margalla Road - F-9, to pay respects in remembrance of those who lost their lives. Besides, 'Moment of Silence and Prayer', a Margalla Towers survivor, will share his experience at '8.55 am on October 8, 2005' when Margalla Towers flats crumbled, killing hundreds of inhabitants.
'ActionAid ERP' has announced to hold a rally for solidarity with the earthquake affectees from the four districts of Bagh, Muzaffarabad, Mansehra and Battgram on Saturday to protest against Erra policies and procedures at 11.00 opposite Parliament House.
Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation has organised a one-day special visit to Balakot, NWFP, to express solidarity with the affectees. It has invited people to join the caravan along with their children and bring special gifts for distribution.
'Telenor Pakistan' arranged an Iftar dinner for all 380 plus children at 'SOS Children Village' and other 'SOS' facilities in Rawalpindi where visiting President and CEO Telenor Group Jon Fredrik Baksaas handed over a check of Rs 3.2 million to SOS President Souriyha Anwar. Part of the funds will go towards the construction of an 'SOS Family Home' in NWFP to provide shelter to children who were orphaned by the earthquake.
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