PM Shehbaz assures Afghan counterpart of Pakistan's 'continued assistance' in wake of deadly quake

Published June 23, 2022
A combination photo of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Afghanistan Prime Minister Mullah Mohammad Hassan Akhund. — DawnNewsTV/Afghanistan Information Ministry
A combination photo of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Afghanistan Prime Minister Mullah Mohammad Hassan Akhund. — DawnNewsTV/Afghanistan Information Ministry

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday telephoned his Afghan counterpart Mullah Mohammad Hassan Akhund and reassured him of Pakistan's continued assistance after a deadly quake killed at least 1,000 people and injured hundreds more in Afghanistan.

An earthquake of magnitude 5.9 struck a mountainous border region of Afghanistan early on Wednesday. The tremors from the quake were felt by about 119 million people in Pakistan, Afghanistan and India, according to European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre.

The death toll climbed steadily as news of casualties filtered in from hard-to-reach areas in the mountains, and the country's supreme leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada, warned it would likely rise further.

The government of Pakistan had also extended condolences and sympathies over the loss of lives and damage to property in the neighbouring country.

In a phone call with Akhund today, PM Shehbaz conveyed Pakistan's solidarity with the Afghan people in the wake of the devastating earthquake.

"The prime minister said that Ghulam Khan and Angoor Adda border crossing points have been opened for the transportation of the seriously injured Afghans for their treatment in Pakistani hospitals," the statement from the Prime Minister's Office said.

The premier reassured Pakistan’s continued assistance to Afghanistan in the days to come.

Shehbaz shared the details of the relief efforts initiated by Pakistan, including the provision of emergency medicines, tents and other goods.

The statement said the prime minister also offered prayers for the deceased and wished for the speedy recovery of the injured.

"He affirmed that Pakistan stood shoulder-to-shoulder with its Afghan brethren in this difficult hour," the PMO statement added.

"The prime minister underscored the close fraternal relations between the two peoples and reiterated Pakistan’s resolve to provide assistance to the Afghan people facing a dire humanitarian situation."

Earlier today, Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari also extended condolences to Afghans on their losses. He said Pakistanis remained in "strong solidarity" with the people of Afghanistan.

"We are extending emergency relief assistance in this hour of need," he said.

Opinion

Editorial

Mineral wealth
Updated 10 Apr, 2025

Mineral wealth

The Baloch unrest is partly the result of the belief that the province’s resources are being used for the rest of the country rather than for Balochistan’s economic development.
Senate shortfalls
10 Apr, 2025

Senate shortfalls

THE latest Citizens’ Report by Pildat on the performance of the Senate of Pakistan is a sobering account of...
Crypto coup
10 Apr, 2025

Crypto coup

IT is quite the coup. One of the most recognisable names in the global cryptocurrency market has been roped in by ...
Following through
Updated 09 Apr, 2025

Following through

Reconciliation, development, and deradicalisation initiatives cannot remain dormant words in a policy document.
Robe rebellion
09 Apr, 2025

Robe rebellion

THE unrest within the Islamabad High Court shows no sign of abating, and it is perhaps just as well that the ...
Fearing birth
09 Apr, 2025

Fearing birth

AMID dramatic aid cuts, the WHO has sounded the alarm about the dangers to Pakistan’s mothers and newborns, asking...