Humanitarian community pays solemn tribute

ISLAMABAD: The Humanitarian Community Sunday gathered at the Fatima Jinnah Park to remember those who lost their lives, sustained injuries, and lost family members, homes and livelihoods caused by the last October earthquake that struck most part of the country.

Speaking on behalf of the UN and NGO partners, the Humanitarian Coordinator Jan Vandemoortele said, "We have gathered here to pay our respects to the departed souls and to renew our commitment to helping those still in need".

"We pledge to work together to respond to the needs of vulnerable communities with winter approaching again and to continue to move forward with recovery, reconstruction and rehabilitation challenges", he added.

A moment of silence and prayer was observed together with the sharing of experiences of a sixteen year old boy who survived the collapse of the Margalla Towers on the eventful day last year.

Later, a tree was planted by the Humanitarian Community in remembrance of those who lost their lives.