“This is not a tragedy for the beloved people of Turkey but for the entire nation of Pakistan and, in fact, humanity,” stated Ambassador Masood Khan.
“We were shocked to hear the news of this apocalyptic catastrophe and have witnessed the unfolding tragedy with tears. No words of condolence can express our deep grief,” he continued
Ambassador Masood Khan wrote these remarks in the Condolence Book during his visit to the Embassy of Republic of Türkiye in Washington to express solidarity with the people of Türkiye.
“The entire Pakistani nation is in mourning. Your grief is our grief,” the Ambassador wrote.
“We pay tribute to the Government and the people of Türkiye who are dealing with the tragedy with courage and tenacity,” he noted.
The Ambassador was escorted to various places by the Turkish Embassy officials where relief supplies received from philanthropist, civil society, Turkish diaspora, Muslim and other communities were being collected, organized and dispatched to the affected areas.
The Ambassador interacted with volunteers and members of Turkish diaspora and shared their grief. He also appreciated the response being shown for the Turkish brethren.
Turkish Ambassador Hasan Murat Mercan received Ambassador Khan in his chamber and apprised him of the latest situation in the calamity-hit areas.
Talking to his Turkish counterpart, Ambassador Khan, on behalf of the Government and the people of Pakistan, expressed deep sympathies and condolence over the huge losses due to calamity of epic proportions.
Recalling response of the Government and the people of Türkiye during 2005 earthquake in Pakistan, especially relief and rescue activities and the contributions made in rebuilding of Muzzafarabad, Balakot and Bagh, Masood Khan said that the memories of generosity of the Turkish brethren were still afresh in the minds of people of Pakistan. “We would provide every possible assistance to our Turkish brethren at this hour of distress,” said the Ambassador.
Ambassador Khan said that Government of Pakistan has launched an appeal for calamity-stricken people of Turkey. He said that the Embassy of Pakistan has also launched an appeal to Pakistani diaspora in the United States to generously contribute towards relief assistance.
Ambassador Hasan Murat Mercan appreciated the sentiments and generosity which was being demonstrated by the people of Pakistan and Pakistani diaspora in the United States.
Ambassador Khan assured his Turkish counterpart of all possible support of Pakistan’s diplomatic and consular missions in the United States.
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