Lahore: A solemn prayer ceremony was held at the Aghosh Complex and Tahfiz-ul-Quran to honor the memory of those who perished in the devastating October 8, 2005, earthquake. The event, marked by Quran recitations and prayers for the deceased, drew participation from students, teachers, and dignitaries, reflecting a community united in remembrance and prayer.
According to Minhaj-Ul-Quran International announcement issued on 08 October 2024, the ceremony featured notable figures including Col. (R) Mubashar Iqbal, Director of Aghosh Complex, Muhammad Abbas Naqshbandi, Principal of Tahfiz-ul-Quran Institute, and Imran Zafar Butt, Principal of Aghosh Grammar High School. The gathering was one of several organized by Minhaj-ul-Quran’s subsidiary institutions across the country, demonstrating the organization’s ongoing commitment to commemorating the victims and supporting the survivors of the earthquake.
Col. Iqbal, addressing the attendees, recounted the immediate response of Minhaj-ul-Quran workers following the earthquake, highlighting their efforts in establishing medical camps, providing food supplies, and aiding in the reconstruction of destroyed homes. He praised the long-term recovery and rehabilitation efforts led by Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr. Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri, which included the establishment of Aghosh Orphan Homes. These homes have not only provided shelter but also education and vocational training to hundreds of children affected by the disaster.
Today, Aghosh Orphan Home stands as a beacon of humanitarian service, with branches in Karachi, Sialkot, Muzaffarabad, and other cities, offering comprehensive care and educational opportunities to orphans and destitute children. The ceremony also included prayers led by Principal Naqshbandi, who prayed for the safety and prosperity of Pakistan.