India offers help to quake-hit Pakistan

Despite reeling under the aftermath of the devastating earthquake, India on Saturday offered rescue and relief assistance to neighbouring Pakistan, parts of which also suffered extensive damage in the natural calamity.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in a message to President Pervez Musharraf said, "while parts of India have also suffered from this unexpected natural disaster, we are prepared to extend any assistance with rescue and relief which you may deem appropriate".

He expressed distress at the extensive loss of life and property in Pakistan as a result of the natural disaster.

The prime minister conveyed condolences to those who have been bereaved in the tragedy.

In another message, External Affairs Minister K Natwar Singh conveyed to his counterpart Khurshid M Kasuri profound sympathy to all those who have lost their loved ones and those who have been injured in the quake.

"Please do not hesitate to indicate to us in whatever way we can be of some assistance both for rescue and relief in the affected areas," he said.

Foreign Secretary Shyam Saran spoke to his Pakistani counterpart for the first time over the hotline activated recently to convey sympathy over the tragic loss.

Soure: Rediff.com