ISLAMABAD – Pakistan stepped up its support for Nepal as the Himalayan nation battles the devastating aftermath of severe floods and landslides, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visiting the Nepalese Embassy in Islamabad to express solidarity with the victims and their families.
Sharif arrived at the diplomatic mission on Thursday and formally recorded his condolences in the embassy’s condolence register, conveying Pakistan’s deep grief over the loss and destruction caused by the natural disaster.
The prime minister was received by Nepal’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Rita Dhital. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi and other senior officials accompanied Sharif during the visit.
During his meeting with Ambassador Dhital, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif assured Nepal that Islamabad would not remain a silent observer as the country confronts the humanitarian crisis. Sharif announced that emergency relief supplies would be sent from Pakistan to the disaster-hit areas within the week, with the assistance aimed at supporting ongoing rescue, relief and recovery efforts.
Sharif reiterated that Pakistan stands shoulder to shoulder with Nepal at a time of immense hardship, echoing the message he had already conveyed during a recent telephone conversation with Nepali Prime Minister Balendra Shah.
The premier expressed confidence in the resilience and determination of the Nepali people, saying the country would ultimately emerge from the tragedy. He also mentioned longstanding brotherly ties between Pakistan and Nepal, stressing that Islamabad would continue to stand with Kathmandu through difficult times.
Ambassador Rita Dhital thanked Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for Pakistan’s gesture of solidarity and humanitarian support, saying the people of Nepal would remember the expression of friendship during their hour of need.
The ambassador also briefed the prime minister on the current state of bilateral cooperation and ongoing joint initiatives between Pakistan and Nepal.
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