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

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.

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."

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.

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.

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.