'Army's work in 2005 earthquake was lauded on international stage'

Mangla Corps Commander Lt Gen Nadeem Zaki speaks at event marking 14th anniversary of devastating quake

MUZAFFARABAD: Pakistan Army’s role in rescue and relief work was lauded at an event held in Mirpur on Wednesday to mark the 14th anniversary of the 2005 Kashmir earthquake.

"Army's efforts for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the area after the devastating quake were even appreciated on the international stage," Corps Commander Mangla Corps Lieutenant General Nadeem Zaki said at an organised by the Kashmir Orphan Relief Trust (KORT).

Kashmir quake memories continue to haunt victims

He said the tremors "razed Muzaffarabad to the ground" but army was the first respond by "starting rescue operations within 20 minutes."



The corps commander said the armed force tirelessly shifted the injured from Muzaffarabad in helicopters.

"It will always be remembered as one of the best executed rescue and relief operations ever," he added.

He said Kashmiris and Pakistanis were one, adding,"We will work together to make the country prosper."

Chairman Jammu and Kashmir Salvation Movement (JKSM) Altaf Ahmed Bhat said army was responsible for resuming telephone services and opening roads of Muzaffarabad and Neelum within half an hour of the quake striking.

"More than Rs2 billion was handed out by the army to victims of the quake to help them start their lives again," he said.

Bhat said Kashmiris were fighting against Indian oppression on the streets of Srinagar.

"If given a chance to decide the people of Kashmir will only choose one side [Pakistan] to be a part of," the JKSM chief said.