Public Holiday Announced to Honour 2005 Victims

The Government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir has declared October 8, 2025, a public holiday to observe Youm-e-Istehqaq in remembrance of the 2005 earthquake martyrs and victims.

An official notification issued by the Services and General Administration Department confirmed that all government offices and educational institutions will remain closed on Wednesday.

The day is observed every year as a tribute to those who lost their lives in the devastating earthquake and to honour the resilience of the people of Azad Kashmir.

Various ceremonies and public gatherings will be held across the region to pay homage to the victims and reaffirm commitments to disaster preparedness and community solidarity.

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The 7.6 magnitude earthquake, which struck northern Pakistan near Muzaffarabad on October 8, 2005, claimed around 86,000 lives and left over 3.5 million homeless.

Muzaffarabad, Balakot, and Bagh were among the worst-hit areas, where thousands of homes, schools, and healthcare facilities were destroyed within minutes of the disaster.

Officials said the observance serves as a reminder of the courage and unity displayed by the people of Azad Kashmir during one of the darkest chapters in the nation’s history.