Pakistan marks 6th anniversary of catastrophic earthquake

The Sixth anniversary of catastrophic earthquake in Pakistan administered Kashmir is being observed across Pakistan on Saturday. Those who lost their lives in the tragedy were also being remembered. The government of Pakistan administered Kashmir has also observed a public holiday on the anniversary. The day started with special prayers in mosques for the souls of the martyrs of the earthquake as well as progress and prosperity of Pakistan. A 7.6 magnitude tremor rocked Pakistan administered Kashmir and northern part of Pakistan in the morning on October 8, 2005, killing over 46000 lives, injuring thousands of others and destroying over 300,000 houses and private and public properties worth billion of rupees. Despite the lapse of complete six years people are increasingly dissatisfied with the reconstruction work. The state’s Earthquake Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Authority (ERRA) accomplished over 3,000 projects and needs two and half years for the completion of remaining projects. Pakistan administered Kashmir Premier Chaudhry Majeed said the past governments did not pay proper attention to the reconstruction projects; but, his government has picked it up as the foremost priority. Functions and seminars were arranged all over Pakistan administered Kashmir to pay tribute to the Pakistan Armed Forces‚ government and the people of Pakistan‚ National and international NGOs for their unprecedented contribution for relief‚ rehabilitation and reconstruction activities in the quake hit areas.