Premier Shehbaz Sharif said the OIC meeting should immediately be called to discuss and decide on an immediate relief package for the people of Turkiye.
In an exclusive interview with Turkish Anadolu News Agency, he urged the international community to come forward and play its role in the rehabilitation of Turkish people. He stressed that we must do everything we can for the well-being of the people of Türkiye.
Also Read: Turkiye Govt arrested 78 People over creating fear via Earthquake Social media Posts
The Prime Minister said the Turkish people raised nearly six billion dollars through an aid campaign that was broadcast on Turkish TV channels, calling it a remarkable example of generosity, philanthropy, kind-heartedness, and consideration. He said the Turkish people have earned the highest respect, not only from the people of Pakistan but also from the whole world.
Prime Minister said he will meet with Pakistani tent manufacturers and ask them to produce winterized tents as quickly as possible with the highest quality.
He hoped that by the end of this month, we will be able to send about thirteen hundred tons of relief goods. In March, another 1700 tons, and in April, about 600 tons of relief goods to be sent, with the bulk of this being winterized tents.
Shehbaz Sharif Pakistan and Türkiye are like a family and our hearts beat together. We will live and die together. He said this is a unique relationship and Pakistan will stand by Turkiye in this hour of difficulty.
He recalled whenever Pakistan needed assistance, Turkiye went the extra mile to help their brothers and sisters, whether it was an earthquake in 2005, floods in 2010, or floods last year in Pakistan.
Turkiye, Syria & Iraq quake
A powerful 7.8-magnitude earthquake jolts Turkey, Syria, and Iraq on 19th February leaving a death toll of more than 46,000 meanwhile thousand are still stuck under the wreckage.
The magnitude of the quake was 7.8 which struck in the early darkness of a winter morning, Jolts of the quake were also felt in Cyprus and Lebanon.
The German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ) said the quake struck at a depth of 10 km (6 miles) near the southern Turkiye’s city of Kahramanmaras, while the EMSC monitoring service said the chance of a tsunami risk was being evaluated after the powerful earthquake.
After a 7.8-powerful Earthquake, another quake of 7.5 Magnitude jolts turkey once again. Rescue teams are put on high alert.
Emergency has been declared all over Turkey.
Condolence
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif telephoned Turkiye President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives in the powerful earthquake.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif gave hope to Turkiye President, Premier said that relief teams of Pakistan will reach the quake-hit Turkiye soon. He expressed sorrow over the loss of precious lives in the earthquake and conveyed his deepest condolence to the families of the victims.
Premier said that Pakistan is standing side-by-side with Turkiye and its nationals in a difficult time and Pakistan will provide maximum assistance to cope with the quake disasters same as Turkiye helped Pakistan in its difficult times.
Premier Sharif said that climate change-induced disasters are not limited to a single country or region and the intensity of disasters is gradually increasing.
President Erdoğan thanked PM Sharif for holding a telephone conversation and supporting the Turkiye people. He said that he appreciates the sentiments of the premier and the people of Pakistan.
Moreover, PM Sharif also expressed sorrow over the earthquake disasters in Syria and conveyed condolences to the Syrian government and the families of the quake victims.
Pak Army Rescue Teams
Earlier this week on the instructions of Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir, the Pakistan Army dispatched two contingents; the Urban Search and Rescue Team to participate in relief activities for quake-hit Turkiye and Syria.
According to the details, Pak Army teams comprise Rescue experts, sniffer dogs, a Medical team, Army doctors, nursing staff, technicians, and security officials along with 30 bedded mobile hospitals.
Pak Army teams also carry relief goods including tentage, blankets, edibles, medicines, and others for the earthquake victims in Turkiye. The Rescue Aid contingents have flown to Adana, Turkiye via special Pakistan Air force aircraft, to undertake relief efforts for Turkish people while working in close coordination with the Turkish Government.
Chairman NDMA Lt General Inam Haider Malik dispatched three tons of emergency relief consignment to Turkiye and Syria via PAF C-130.
In a statement, Chairman NDMA Lt Gen Inam Haider Malik said NDMA Team and Pakistan Armed Forces and Federal Government are in constant communication with the diplomatic channels at both ends.
According to the details, Pak Army contingents will stay there till the completion of relief and rescue operations.
