ISLAMABAD - As many as four aircraft with relief supplies for quake-affected Nepal have been readied at the Islamabad airport on Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s orders and will take off as soon as clearance is received from the Kathmandu airport.
This was revealed by Prime Minister’s House spokesman in a statement on Saturday evening. Relief goods, including medicines, doctors, nurses, tents, blankets and others, are being sent to Kathmandu on the PM’s directions. These relief goods will reach the Nepalese capital as soon as the airport becomes functional. The PM has also directed the Foreign Office to keep him updated of the evolving situation in Nepal and relief needs of the people.
PM Sharif spoke to his Nepalese counterpart Sushil Koirala from London and extended to him his deep condolences on the massive earthquake, resulting in extensive loss of lives and property.
Earlier, in his message, Sharif expressed his deep shock over the reports of the tragic earthquake.
“The government of Pakistan and its people extend their heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the governments and the peoples of Nepal and India on the tragedy that has caused loss of lives and property,” said the prime minister. “The government and people of Pakistan express solidarity with the affected people of Nepal and India and offer all possible help that may be required in their hour of grief.”
The federal government has instructed its missions in the two countries to approach their respective host governments to ascertain the damages caused and the requirements of relief assistance.
The National Disaster Management Authority of Pakistan has been readied to take relief assistance on a short notice.
PAKISTANI NATIONALS SAFE, SAYS FO: Foreign Office Spokesperson Tasneem Aslam Saturday said Pakistani nationals are safe in Nepal. She said: “We are constantly in contact with the Pakistan Embassy in Nepal and no casualty of any Pakistani national was registered in the neighbouring country.