At 8, Oct. 9 -- 52 am on October 8, 2005, the earth shook violently across Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir.

This may be a scene from the past, but even after twenty-one years, those who witnessed that devastating earthquake with their own eyes have never been able to forget it. It was a terrifying nightmare whose memories still sent shivers down the spine.

The devastating 7.6-magnitude earthquake destroyed the lives of hundreds of thousands of families. According to official figures, more than 73,000 people lost their lives, while seven districts of Azad Jammu and Kashmir were severely affected.

In Azad Kashmir alone, 46,000 precious lives were lost, more than 33,000 people were inj...