PM phones Afghan counterpart, vows assistance to quake-hit people

Premier Shehbaz also highlights steps for treatment of critically injured Afghans, reviving trade and people movement

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called Afghan Prime Minister Mullah Muhammad Hassan Akhund and conveyed support for the Afghans following a deadly earthquake in the neighbouring country a day earlier, the PM's Office said in a series of tweets on Thursday.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif calls Acting Prime Minister of the Interim Afghan Government, Mullah Muhammad Hassan Akhund to convey Pakistan’s solidarity with Afghan people in the wake of devastating earthquake.

— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) June 23, 2022

It further said that the premier highlighted steps taken to enable trade and human movement by means of border management.

"The Prime Minister also highlighted the measures taken by the government to facilitate trade and movement of people through effective border management."

The Prime Minister also highlighted the measures taken by Govt of Pakistan to facilitate trade and movement of people through effective border management. He added that Pakistan was committed to strengthening bilateral ties to promote the cause of peace, progress and prosperity.

— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) June 23, 2022

In another tweet, the PMO further said that the Ghulam Khan and Angoor Adda border crossings have now been opened so that the critically injured could be treated in Pakistan.

The Prime Minister conveyed that Ghulam Khan and Angoor Adda border crossing points have been opened for the transportation of the seriously injured Afghans for their treatment in the Pakistani hospitals. He reassured Pakistan’s continued assistance in the days to come.

— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) June 23, 2022

Concluding, PM Shehbaz underscored the close ties between the people of the two countries and vowed to offer all possible assistance to those stricken by the calamity.

The Prime Minister underscored the close fraternal relations between the two peoples and reiterated Pakistan’s resolve to provide assistance to the Afghan people facing a dire humanitarian situation.

— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) June 23, 2022

On Wednesday, a powerful earthquake struck a remote border region of Afghanistan and parts of Pakistan overnight, killing at least 1,000 people and injuring 1,500 others.

Pakistan has already sent truckloads of humanitarian assistance to the quake-stricken country to help it regain its strength and stand on its feet.