Radio Pakistan team recounts horrific 8th October tragedy
Distribute Eidee among quake survivors
By Asghar Ali Mubarak

ISLAMABAD—Radio Pakistan (World Service) played a vital role in boosting the morale of the nation on 8th October 2005 earthquake that killed more than 73000 people. This natural disaster stands as a record in the world disasters.
It is pertinent to mention here that the Radio Pakistan Islamabad came as the foremost source of information in the panic situation. During the programme JRSE, the producer Ms.Kousar Samreen controlled the situation and asked the nation to pray for victims. After the earthquake, everybody was in bad condition. Even the D.G. Radio Pakistan asked the all the staff to leave the post till the meet order. "I cannot explain the situation. Every body was thinking that is their last time", said Kousar Samreen. She added, "I asked my announcer Ms Tahir Jabeen to take it easy and don't panic."
She further expressed that she was so worried as The National Broadcasting House was moving like Tistanic. Duty officer Fazal-ul-Rehman, Radio Pakistan's senior most staffer 'Raja sahib' Masood, Malhi, Asad, Miss Aneela Atiq were in studio till the end, while first live report ever was wired by Ms.Kousar Samreen along with Asad and others. Their first phone call was recorded from Balakot (Bhaghian) by a school teacher named Mohammad Shahid, while Sakhawat Ali was linked live from Margalla Towers. Radio Pakistan's controller; Syed Qamar Hussain told, "The staff displayed exemplary professional spirit. He further added that all the staff of World Service showed courage in the time of crisis. Programme Manager Khalida Nuzhat also sharing her haunting memories, said, "We would never forget that day."
Meanwhile Radio Pakistan (World Service) spent another day with children at Aabpara Community Center set up by the CDA and distributed Eidee and gifts amongst the children from the quake-affected areas. Controller Syed Qamar Hussain, Programme Manager Ms Khalida Nuzhat and Producer Ms Kousar Samreen along with Chairman CDA Kamran Lashari distribute the gifts amongst children.