ISLAMABAD: It has been 20 years since the catastrophic earthquake of October 8, 2005, which struck Pakistan, leaving deep scars on the nation’s collective memory.
The earthquake, measuring 7.6 on the Richter scale, caused widespread devastation across Azad Kashmir, Hazara Division, and various districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, claiming over 80,000 lives. Entire settlements were reduced to rubble, and once-thriving cities were flattened within seconds.
During this critical period, the Government of Pakistan, local communities, and international partners coordinated timely rescue and relief operations, playing a pivotal role in helping survivors return to normal life.
In Azad Kashmir alone, 56% of the population was affected. The earthquake claimed more than 46,000 lives, left 33,000 injured, and destroyed over 300,000 homes, along with thousands of educational and health institutions. Basic infrastructure across 53% of the affected region was completely obliterated.
The Pakistan Armed Forces launched one of the largest relief operations in history, deploying 50 helicopters in 19,000 flights to deliver aid and evacuate survivors.
In the years following the disaster, reconstruction efforts have progressed steadily. Out of 7,608 planned projects, 5,878 have been completed, 919 are under construction, while 811 remain pending due to financial constraints. In the education sector, 1,606 out of 2,718 projects are completed, and in health, 119 out of 160 projects have been finalized. The total reconstruction program costs PKR 225 billion, of which PKR 181 billion has already been spent, with PKR 44 billion remaining.
On the anniversary of the earthquake, a central commemoration ceremony will be held at the University College Ground in Muzaffarabad, Azad Kashmir, where floral tributes will be laid at the Earthquake Martyrs’ Memorial. The event will also include awareness activities highlighting rescue and relief efforts during disasters.
The ceremony, organized by the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA), will feature the flags of international partners who had supported the Kashmiri people during this tragic period, honoring their contributions in a time of immense need.
The memories of that fateful day continue to resonate, reminding the nation of both the fragility of life and the strength of unity in times of crisis.
