Muzaffarabad, (Parliament Times) : To pay tribute to the thousands of lives lost in the devastating earthquake of 8th October 2005, a solemn prayer ceremony was held at Kashmir Girls Cadet College, Satellite Town, Lungarpura, Muzaffarabad. The ceremony took place immediately after the morning assembly and was attended by all cadets, faculty members, administrative staff, and college management.
The event was graced by the presence of Managing Director Dr. Zulfiqar Ali Qazi, Principal Major (R) Abdul Rasheed Mughal, Directors Abid Khan Khattak and Matiullah Jan, Adjutant Zahid Abbasi, along with all teachers and staff members.
During the ceremony, the cadets reflected upon the tragedy of 8th October, highlighting the destruction caused by the earthquake, the sacrifices of the martyrs, and the resilience shown by the nation during those testing times.
On the occasion, MD Dr. Zulfiqar Ali Qazi addressed the gathering and said:
> “Today reminds us of the great trial our people endured, and how we responded with courage, patience, and unity. We salute all those who were laid to eternal rest in the lap of this land, who may be gone, but remain alive in our prayers and memories.”
Principal Major (R) Abdul Rasheed Mughal, in his address, stated:
> “The land of Kashmir lost countless sons and daughters that day, but the tragedy awakened us, united us, and taught us the true spirit of service to humanity. It is the duty of our younger generation to remember these sacrifices and draw lessons from them.”
Directors Abid Khan Khattak and Matiullah Jan paid tribute to the martyrs, stating that:
> “The 8th of October is not merely a date — it is a symbol of national pride, collective sacrifice, and the spirit of compassion. It reminds us every year of the heavy price we paid.”
At the end of the ceremony, collective prayers were offered by the teachers, staff, and cadets for the elevation of the martyrs’ ranks, the recovery of the injured, and the peace and prosperity of the nation.
After a Qur’an recitation, one minute of silence was observed, during which the entire college stood in a solemn and respectful silence in honor of the martyrs.
Adjutant Zahid Abbasi, addressing the cadets, said:
> “If our youth embrace these sacrifices with understanding and reflection, they can truly shape a responsible, patriotic, and service-oriented society.”
The ceremony concluded with heartfelt prayers for the Pakistan Armed Forces, the martyrs of the 2005 earthquake, and the freedom, peace, and development of the state of Jammu & Kashmir.