PM phones Nepalese counterpart, condoles quake losses

LONDON: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Saturday telephoned his Nepalese counterpart Sushil Koirala and extended his deep condolences on the earthquake that hit Nepal causing huge loss of life and property.
The prime minister, who is in London on an official visit, said that the people and government of Pakistan extend their heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the people and government of Nepal. On the prime minister’s directives, relief goods including medicines, doctors and nurses as well as tents and blankets etc. were being sent to Kathmandu.
The relief goods will reach the Nepalese capital as soon as the Kathmandu Airport becomes functional.
The prime minister has directed the Foreign Office to keep him updated on the evolving situation in Nepal and the relief needs of the people.
Earlier, a Foreign Office statement said the government and the people of Pakistan expressed solidarity with the affected people of Nepal and India and offered all possible help that might be required in their hour of grief.
It said the Pakistani government had instructed its missions in the two countries to approach their respective host governments to ascertain the damages caused and the requirement of relief assistance.
The prime minister was constantly in touch with the authorities in Pakistan regarding the situation in Nepal following the devastating earthquake.
The premier was informed that four aircraft were ready with relief goods and would leave as soon as the airport in Kathmandu was available for landing.
Nawaz Sharif directed the authorities concerned to rush in relief goods in the shortest possible time.