Pakistan grieved over devastating earthquake in Afghanistan

We are in contact with Afghan authorities to get assessment of urgent needs of those affected, says FO

ISLAMABAD:

Pakistan on Sunday expressed deep sadness and condolence over loss of precious lives and properties in devastating earthquake that hit Western regions of Afghanistan on Saturday.

More than 2,000 people were killed in earthquakes in Afghanistan and more than 9,000 injured, the Taliban administration said, in the deadliest tremors to rock the quake-prone mountainous country in years.

The Saturday quakes in the west of the country hit 35 km (20 miles) northwest of the city of Herat, with one of 6.3 magnitude, the US Geological Survey (USGS) said.

They were among the world's deadliest quakes in a year when tremors in Turkey and Syria killed an estimated 50,000 in February.

Read more: Afghan earthquakes kill 2,053, Taliban say, as death toll spikes

Janan Sayeeq, spokesman for the Ministry of Disasters, said 2,053 people were killed, 9,240 injured and 1,320 houses damaged or destroyed. The death toll spiked from 500 reported earlier on Sunday by the Red Crescent.

“The Government and people of Pakistan are deeply saddened by the devastating earthquake in Western regions of Afghanistan yesterday, resulting in tragic loss of life and widespread damage to property,” a statement issued by the foreign office spokesperson said.

“We extend our sincerest condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones and pray for the early and complete recovery of the injured.”

The statement added that Pakistan stood in complete solidarity with the brothers and sisters in Afghanistan during this difficult time.  

“We are in contact with the Afghan authorities to get a first-hand assessment of the urgent needs of those affected by the earthquake. Pakistan will extend all possible support to the recovery effort,” it further said.

(With additional input from Reuters)