Islamabad: Following the devastating earthquake in Afghanistan in the early hours of Wednesday that claimed the lives of more than 950 people, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed grief and offered Pakistan’s support in this time of need.
In a tweet, PM Shehbaz said that the people of Pakistan share the grief and sorrow of their Afghan brothers. He also mentioned that the relevant authorities in Pakistan were “working to support Afghanistan in this time of need.”
“Deeply grieved to learn about [the] earthquake in Afghanistan, resulting in loss of innocent lives. People in Pakistan share the grief & sorrow of their Afghan brethren. Relevant authorities working to support Afghanistan in this time of need.”
Deeply grieved to learn about earthquake in Afghanistan, resulting in loss of innocent lives. People in Pakistan share the grief & sorrow of their Afghan brethren. Relevant authorities working to support Afghanistan in this time of need.
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) June 22, 2022
Pakistan condoles loss of lives in Afghanistan earthquake: FO
In a separate statement, the foreign ministry spokesperson, Asim Iftikhar, reiterated Pakistan’s resolve to stand by Afghanistan in this difficult time and said that the government and the people of Pakistan extend deepest condolences and sympathies over the loss of precious lives and damage to property caused by the tragic earthquake in Paktika province of Afghanistan and its adjoining areas and torrential floods in various provinces across the country.
“The people of Pakistan stand in strong solidarity with their Afghan brethren in this difficult time. We have no doubt that the brotherly Afghan people will overcome the effects of this natural calamity with their characteristic resilience,” the spokesperson added.
“Our authorities and institutions are working to extend required assistance to Afghanistan in coordination with their relevant institutions.”
Situation in Afghanistan
More than 950 people died in Afghanistan as an earthquake of 6.1 magnitude jolted the country in the early hours of Wednesday.
Read: Afghanistan earthquake claims more than 950 lives
The US Geological Survey reported that the earthquake struck early on Wednesday morning local time, with its epicentre close to the town of Khost south of the capital, Kabul.
Early on Wednesday morning, Bakhtar News Agency reported that at least 255 people had lost their lives as a result of the earthquake. However, according to Afghan government sources, the number of total fatalities has now reached 955.
Rescue crews were being airlifted into the disaster zones.
The meteorological department in Pakistan also put the earthquake at a magnitude of 6.1. Tremors were felt in the Pakistani capital, Islamabad, and elsewhere in the eastern Punjab province.
However, there were no immediate reports of damage or casualties in Pakistan.
