Islamabad (Web Desk): Pakistan on Sunday sent humanitarian aid to Afghanistan as death toll from Saturday's earthquake rose above 2400, and caused widespread destruction across the western regions of the country.
More than 2,400 people were killed in earthquakes in Afghanistan, the Taliban administration said on Sunday, 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.
Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) on Sunday issued a statement expressing grief over loss of lives and extend their solidarity to Afghan public. The statement said " 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,"
"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 our brothers and sisters in Afghanistan during this difficult time."
MoFA said Pakistan government is in contact with Afghan authorities, the statement reads, " 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."
Separately, Caretaker Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani took on X, and post to express Pakistan’s solidarity with of Afghanistan and said "We are in touch with Afghan authorities to help with rescue/relief work.”
President of Pakistan Dr Arif Alvi expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives in the devastating earthquake in Herat province, in a statement posted on X (former known as Twitter) President Alvi called upon the international community and the Islamic world to support Afghanistan in this hour of need.
The development takes place amid strained ties between Islamabad and Kabul after Pakistan’s government on Tuesday warned illegal immigrants to leave the country before Nov. 1 or face deportation afterwards, also after closure of Chaman border and Torkham border over cross border firing.
It is important to mention that these Afghanistan earthquakes were among the world's deadliest quakes this year, after tremors in Turkey and Syria killed an estimated 50,000 in February.