Thousands of people from different walks of life gathered on Sunday at Fatima Jinnah park adjacent to Margallah towers to pay homage to those who lost their lives and became disabled after the devastating earthquake of October 8, 2005.
The participants include relatives of the earthquake victims, representatives of UN agencies and people from civil society organisations, who observed a movement of silence.
On the occasion, World Food Programme (WFP) country director Michael Jones said authorities concerned should not show apathy in the rehabilitation process, as the winter ahead is likely to be more extreme in earthquake-affected areas.
He added proper provision of food, medicine and shelter is prerequisite to save lives of these vulnerable communities.
He further said since the earthquake, the WFP has been involved in construction of rural link roads, protection of walls, animal shelters, reservoirs and assisting people to reclaim land and increase food production.
However, Michael said, the WFP wants people to become self-reliant and is, therefore, provides tools and marketable skills to diversify and increase their income base.
He further said the WFP had launched the largest helicopter operation immediately after the tragedy and would be bringing choppers again for the supply purposes.
On the occasion, UN humanitarian co-ordinator Jan Vandemoortele said we all should show our commitment to help those, who are still in need of material and moral support and pay homage to the departed soul.
Highlighting needs of the vulnerable communities, he urged for continuation of substantial support to cope recovery, reconstruction and rehabilitation challenges.
The civil society also staged a theatre, showing miseries of the earthquake victims and a tree was planted by the humanitarian community in remembrance of those who lost their lives.
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