Pakistan offers support for Afghan quake victims

Pakistani leadership expresses sorrow over loss of lives in Herat province

ISLAMABAD:

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

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

“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,” said a statement issued by the Foreign Office spokesperson.

“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. “Pakistan stands in complete solidarity with the brothers and sisters in Afghanistan during this difficult time.”

The Foreign Office said that Pakistani government was in contact with the Afghan authorities to get the first-hand assessment of the urgent needs of those affected by the earthquake. “Pakistan will extend all possible support to the recovery effort,” it said.

Separately, President Dr Arif Alvi expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives in the devastating earthquake in Herat province. In a statement, Arif Alvi called upon the international community and the Islamic world to support Afghanistan in this hour of need.

صدر مملکت ڈاکٹر عارف علوی کا افغانستان کے صوبے ہرات میں زلزلے سے قیمتی جانی و مالی نقصان پر اظہارِ افسوس

صدر مملکت کا زلزلے میں ہزاروں انسانی جانوں کے ضیاع پر گہرے دکھ اور افسوس کا اظہار

اِسلامی دُنیا اور عالمی برادری اس مُشکل گھڑی میں افغانستان کی مدد کریں، صدر مملکت

— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) October 8, 2023

In a tweet on social media platform of X, Caretaker Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani expressed Pakistan’s solidarity with of Afghanistan in the wake of 6.3 magnitude powerful earthquake that jolted Herat province.

Pakistan stands in solidarity with govt and people of Afghanistan at their hour of need. Our condolences with families of victims who have lost their loved ones in the devastating earthquake in Afghanistan. We are in touch with Afghan authorities to help with rescue/relief work

— Jalil Abbas Jilani (@JalilJilani) October 8, 2023

“Our condolences with families of victims who have lost their loved ones in the devastating earthquake in Afghanistan. We are in touch with Afghan authorities to help with rescue/relief work,” Jilani wrote on the microblogging website.
(WITH ADDITIONAL INPUT FROM AGENCIES)