By Islamuddin Sajid

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan

Pakistan on Monday observed the 13th anniversary of the 2005 earthquake that had killed nearly 100,000 people and injured around 138,000 people in the country.

On Oct. 8, 2005, the earthquake measuring 7.6 on the Richter scale had destroyed parts of Azad Kashmir and northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

To pay homage to the victims of the earthquake, an event was organized jointly by Pakistan Red Crescent Society and Turkish Red Crescent in the capital Islamabad.

Azad Kashmir’s President Masood Khan, Turkish Ambassador to Pakistan Mustafa Yurdakul, officials and representatives of international humanitarian organizations attended the event.

"Our nation couldn't forget that tragic earthquake which had destroyed the Kashmir and northwestern Hazara Division of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province," Khan told the gathering.

He recalled the Turkish government’s quick response and said: “Our nation will never forget what the Turkish government and their organizations did for us.”

"Turkey built hospitals and schools which were destroyed and now anyone can see the Turkish buildings and Turkish square in Muzaffarabad city which would remind our coming generation that Turkey helped us in testing times," the president said.

The Turkish Red Crescent was the first international organization which had launched rescue operation in the quake-hit areas.

"I am feeling proud that our organizations had arrived soon after the earthquake and they extended helping hand to the affected people in difficult times," the Turkish ambassador said.

“After 13 years, most parts of affected region have been restored and I am happy that our country took part in reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts," Yurdakul added.