Before the Pakistan Earthquake

These pictures were taken a little over two weeks ago, between the 23rd and 25th of September when a government organized tourism festival was taking place in Muzzafarabad. It was the biggest event to ever take place there, a new Food Street had been constructed in its honour, people had come down from the mountains to catch a glimpse and the city was abuzz with excitement. This very city has been devastated and reduced to rubble. The Neelum Hotel where the ghazal evening in the photographs took place has reportedly been washed into the Neelum River; it was a strong concrete structure, at least four stories high. I hope the comparison between these pictures and those being broadcast by the media after the earthquake will serve to highlight the extent of the loss and how much help is needed for areas like Muzzafarabad to recover. Please use the links on the left to navigate to sites where you can help in the relief efforts.