Written by: Muhammad Sohail Mughal District Information Officer Hattian Bala
On October 8, 2005, when the rays of sun spread their golden colors, the life in Azad Kashmir and other areas woke up with a bang. People went about their daily work. The elders started preparing to go to their work, while the children went to school. Who knew that the natural disaster of the earthquake on this fateful morning is going to destroy the area. The ground cracked and many buildings collapsed. Thousands of people lost their lives due to the collapse of houses, buildings, offices etc. According to official data, the earthquake affected an area of 30 thousand square kilometers. 73,338 men, women and children were martyred. 128,304 civilians were injured. Six lakh houses were destroyed and 35 lakh Pakistanis became homeless. 5772 schools and colleges, 726 government buildings and 320 health units were destroyed. Many roads, bridges, power plants, water pipelines and sewage systems were also destroyed. Muzaffarabad and Bagh districts of Azad Kashmir suffered the most loss of life and property.
After the earthquake, the people of Pakistan showed an unprecedented display of self-sacrifice, compassion and brotherhood and helped the victims of the earthquake. Funds and relief materials were sent to these areas from all over the country. The soldiers of Pakistan Army and officials of social organizations also actively participated in the relief operations and created an unprecedented history of love and cooperation. The international community also took the lead in helping the victims of the earthquake. Medicines, blankets, tents and other goods were received in large quantities from foreign countries. Teams of doctors also rushed to help. Various countries have provided about five and a half billion dollars to the government of Pakistan so that work can be started on the rehabilitation of the earthquake victims and the reconstruction of infrastructure. After the earthquake of October 8, 2005, every government in Azad Kashmir worked for the rehabilitation of the victims of the earthquake according to their own standards. Tributes are paid to the sacrifices of every facilitator. The current government is also active to celebrate the day of steadfastness this year under the leadership of Prime Minister Sardar Tanveer Ilyas Khan.
The history of thousands of years is a witness that man has been helpless against natural calamities. As a result of these natural disasters, thousands of people died in every age. While thousands of people became homeless. In spite of his efforts and resources, man could not deal with these natural disasters properly and it is a fact that it is not possible to prevent these disasters that come by the order of Allah Tabarak wa Taala. Compared to this, all efforts fail because this colorful universe has been changing ever since the Lord created it. The fact cannot be ignored that these calamities are also a test from Allah Tabarak wa Taala for the righteous, a warning for sinners and a punishment for criminals.
Therefore, we individually and collectively pray, repent, piety, patience. One can avoid sufferings and natural calamities by adopting Infaq fi sabil Allah.
Disasters cannot be prevented from breaking out. But after this happens, the collective attitude and response that comes from the living and awake nations makes sense. Therefore, we need to take practical steps after reflection on how we can mitigate the possibility of these threats. And how can protect themselves from these disasters, which can reduce the risk of human life and property. It is the principle of nature that moderation in everything is beneficial for man. The amount of anything If it increases, it will bring destruction. This fact cannot be ignored that man has created the equipment of destruction for himself by his misdeeds. On the other hand, we are playing with the natural environment for the sake of our interests, the result of which we are getting the loss of our lives and property. Therefore, it is necessary that we learn lessons from accidents at the individual and collective level. Plan to avoid any major losses in the future.
