Pakistan offers aid to Turkey following devastating quake

Islamabad, Oct 25, IRNA - Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani Monday expressed solidarity with the Turkish leadership and people on the devastation caused by recent earthquake. A 7.3-magnitude earthquake hit eastern Turkey, killing nearly 100 people and injuring many more in one town alone as buildings collapsed, Turkish media say. The quake hit the outskirts of the city of Van. “The president and the prime minister expressed sympathy with the Turkish leadership, government and people of Turkey on the destruction caused by the earthquake,” the Foreign Ministry said. The people and Government of Pakistan stand in solidarity with their Turkish brethren at this difficult moment brought about by a natural disaster and offer all assistance, they said. “Pakistan mourns the loss of precious lives and expresses deep sympathy and condolences to all those who lost their loved ones,” it added. The government and the people of Pakistan stand in full solidarity with their Turkish brothers and sisters and are ready to send any assistance to help overcome the effects of this enormous natural calamity, the statement said. /end