Nation expresses solidarity with quake victims

Islamabad—The nation Sunday observed Yaum- e-Istqamat to express solidarity with the victims of the October 8, earthquake and renewed the pledge for rehabilitation and reconstruction of the affected areas.
More than 73,000 people died and around 70,000 were injured in the devastating earthquake that hit vast areas in Azad Kashmir and North West Frontier Province (NWFP).
In all, the earthquake cost US$ six billion to the victims and the nation as a whole leaving 3.5 million people shelterless. The whole nation rose to the occasion to join hands in relief and reconstruction activities in the affected areas in collaboration with the international community.After one year, the government and the people are once again reiterating commitment for rehabilitation and reconstruction of the affected areas.President Pervez Musharraf, Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, NWFP Governor, President and Prime Minister of Azad Kashmir and members of the Cabinet visited the earthquake areas and pledged unabated commitment to develop these areas.
In Muzaffarabad, President General Pervez addressed a large gathering at Khushid National Stadium and vowed to rebuild quake-devastated areas on modern lines and announced housing and agricultural loans write-off for the affected people.
He also visited Chakothi, Garhi Habibullah and Mansehra to express solidarity with the affected people and appreciated in his addresses, the will and commitment of the people, Pakistan Army, NGOs and CBOs to provide relief and rehabilitation.
AJK President Raja Zulqarnain Khan, Prime Minister Sardar Attique Ahmed Khan, Minister for Kashmir Affairs Major (retd) Tahir Iqbal and Chairman ERRA Altaf Salim accompanied the President.
The government has finalized plan for developing these areas on modern lines. It has allocated Rs. 3 billion for providing micro financing to people and has earmarked another Rs. 3 billion to provide them better job opportunities.
The government has also allocated Rs.6 billion to the National Highway Authority (NHA) for constructing road network in the quake-hit areas. A total of 6000 kilometres stretch was completely destroyed or damaged by the earthquake.
President Musharraf inaugurated newly constructed girls high school and called upon the female to work shoulder to shoulder with male in nation building.
The school has jointly been reconstructed by PPAF and Mountain Glacier Protection Organization (MGPO) at a cost of Rs. 25 million. The President also inaugurated a modern 60-bed quake-resistant hospital funded by Kuwait and expressed gratitude to the government of Kuwait and Kuwait Red Crescent Society. He also laid wreath at the memorial of quake victims. Governor NWFP Lt General (R) Jan Muhammad Khan Aurakzai, Ambassador of Kuwait, Faisal A. Al-Mulaifi accompanied the President.

In Balakot, the President announced construction of 5000 houses with the help of Saudi Arabia and hoped, the ERRA will efficiently provide shelter, education, health and infrastructure and basic facilities in the area.
Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz visited Bagh area in Azad Kashmir and inaugurated a 60-bed hospital built with the help of Belgium and appreciated the role of all countries and donor agencies that played a key role in rebuilding the devastated health facilities.
Homage was also paid to Margalla tower victims in the federal capital offering special prayers and observing a moment silence. Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Tariq Azeem joined the affectees and expressed sympathy with them. After one year, again the nation was standing by the victims of the earthquake that had left indelible imprints on the lives of people.
But, there miseries were mitigating and every effort was being made to bring them to mainstream. For sure, the victims were always in their prayers.
Television channels telecast special programs and the newspapers brought out special bulletins to express solidarity with the victims. This journey to rehabilitation and reconstruction continues unabated and days are not far off when these victims will once again enjoy all facilities of the of life and will play their role in nation building