ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The government and people of Pakistan have extended their deepest condolences and sympathies over the loss of precious lives and damage to property caused by the tragic earthquake in eastern Afghanistan.
A powerful earthquake measuring 6.1 on the richter scale killed at least 1,000 people and left scores injured in Paktika province of Afghanistan and its adjoining areas.
“The people of Pakistan stand in strong solidarity with their Afghan brethren in this difficult time,” said a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad.
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
The statement said that we have no doubt that the brotherly Afghan people will overcome the effects of this natural calamity with their characteristic resilience.
“Our authorities and institutions are working to extend required assistance to Afghanistan in coordination with their relevant institutions,” it added.
The earthquake struck about 44 kilometers (27 miles) from Afghanistan’s south-eastern city of Khost.
An Afghan Interior Official said that the death toll is likely to rise as some of the villages are in remote areas in the mountains and it will take some time to collect details.