Islamabad: Nineteen years have passed since the devastating earthquake that struck Pakistan on October 8, 2005.

The 7.6 magnitude earthquake caused widespread destruction across Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Hazara Division, and several districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The disaster claimed the lives of over 80,000 people, leaving hundreds of thousands injured and homeless.

Entire towns and villages were reduced to rubble within seconds.

According to official data, a total of 28,000 square kilometers of area was affected, with 400 villages completely wiped out.

The earthquake also destroyed 16,000 schools and 80 percent of health facilities in the affected regions.

In the aftermath of the tragedy, Pakistan's rescue agencies, the Pakistan Army, and friendly nations launched timely rescue and relief operations, playing a crucial role in helping survivors rebuild their lives.

To mark the anniversary, the day is being observed as a Day of Prayer and Resilience, honoring the victims and reaffirming the nation's commitment to disaster preparedness and solidarity with the affected families.