President Alvi, PM Imran Khan & other political leaders express grief over loss of human lives in Harnai earthquake

ISLAMABAD: President Dr. Arif Alvi has expressed grief and sorrow over the loss of human lives in Harnai, Balochistan earthquake.
In a tweet, he condoled with the bereaved families and prayed for the departed souls.
Praying for the early recovery of those injured, President Dr. Arif Alvi was confident that the national and provincial disaster management authorities would provide quick relief to the affected people.
Meanwhile Prime Minister Imran Khan has directed all federal departments to fully assist Balochistan government in provision of relief to the earthquake victims.
In a statement, the Prime Minister said the federal government will extend all possible assistance to Balochistan government in this difficult hour.
He also expressed deep grief and sorrow over the loss of precious lives in the earthquake. He directed to provide best medical treatment to those injured.
The Prime Minister has received preliminary report of the losses caused by the tremor and the current situation in the quake hit areas.
Meanwhile, in a tweet, Prime Minister Imran Khan said he has ordered an immediate assistance on an emergency basis for the earthquake victims of Harnai.
The Prime Minster also called for an immediate assessment of the damage for timely relief and compensation. Imran Khan condoled with the families who lost their loved ones in the quake.
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President and Leader of the Opposition in National Assembly Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday has expressed grief over the deaths of people in Balochistan earthquake. In a post on social-networking website Twitter, the PML-N leader stated, “Sad over the loss of precious lives due to earthquake in Balochistan last night. My profound condolences and prayers go out to the affected families.” “The authorities must act on war footing to rehabilitate those affected by this disaster,” he demanded.
Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has expressed heartfelt condolences over the loss of precious lives in the earthquake in Balochistan.
He demanded the federal and Balochistan governments provide the best medical facilities to those injured in the earthquake. He also urged them to announce compensation for the earthquake victims.
The PPP chairman directed his party’s provincial leadership to provide every possible support to the quake victims.
Balochistan Home Minister Ziaullah Lango had initially confirmed that 15 people lost their lives in the quake. According to Balochistan Home Minister, the PDMA has sent heavy machinery and rescue teams to the affected areas from Quetta.
He said that there were reports of damage in Ziarat, Qila Saifullah and Sibi while most of the casualties were reported in Harnai. According to Ziaullah Lango, most people are still stuck under the rubble of collapsed buildings.
Lango said there are reports of damage coming Ziarat, Qila Saifullah and Sibi also. “We will not leave people without help. We will make up for the losses,” he said. An emergency was also enforced in Quetta hospitals, he said.
Chairman National Disaster Management Authority Akhtar Nawaz telephoned Home Minister of Balochistan Ziaullah Langoo and assured all possible assistance to deal with calamity.
Home Minister Mir Ziaullah Langau said that medical teams, helicopter, food items, medicines would be sent in earthquake affected  districts on emergency basis.
Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Ahmed Khan Buzdar has also expressed deep grief and sorrow over loss of precious human lives in earthquake.
Chief Minister Balochistan Mir Jam Kamal Khan, in a tweet, said all departments have been engaged to rescue earthquake affected people in District Harnai. He said the injured people are also being airlifted and brought to Quetta for medical treatment.
Rescue and relief operation is underway after the devastating earthquake in Balochistan, according to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).
The Pakistan Army’s special rescue and relief team is being airlifted to Quetta and Harnai, the NDMA spokesperson said on Twitter.
DG PDMA Balochistan Naseer Ahmed Nasir said said the seriously injured people have been sent to Quetta. He said it would take him time to reach Harnai as landslides occurred in some areas.
Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmad has said the civil armed forces are cooperating with the local administration in extending help to the quake victims of Balochistan.
In a statement, he said Frontier Corps Balochistan (North) is fully participating in the rescue efforts.  He said all resources are being utilized to carry out rescue and relief work in Harnai and adjoining areas.
Minister for Information and Broadcasting Chaudhary Fawad Hussain has assured government’s full cooperation to the quake affected people of Balochistan.
In a statement, he expressed deep grief and sorrow over the loss of lives in the tremor and condoled with the bereaved families.
The Information Minister said the entire nation is aggrieved over the loss of lives in the quake.  He said relevant departments have been directed to extend every possible assistance to the affected people.
Read more: At least 20 killed, over 300 injured after powerful earthquake jolts different parts of Balochistan