World leaders condole the colossal loss of lives in Pakistan
ISLAMABAD, Oct 9 (APP): Messages of sympathy and condolence from the world leaders with the assurance of all possible
help, are pouring in as the relief work is picking up pace in the earthquake hit areas of Azad Kashmir and NWFP. In his
message to President Pervez Musharraf, Emperor of Japan Akihito said that he was deeply grieved at the sad news of the
great loss of life and serious damage caused by the earthquake. "I hasten to express to Your Excellency and the people
of your country my heartfelt condolences," the Emperor said. Queen Elizabeth of Britain in her message to President
Musharraf expressed her heartfelt sympathy to him and the people of Pakistan, especially to the bereaved, the injured
and all who have been affected by this terrible disaster.
British Prime Minister Tony Blair expressed his shock and horror at the devastating earthquake that has crippled large
areas of northern Pakistan. "I was appalled to hear of the terrible destruction caused by yesterday's earthquake in
Pakistan. I should like to pass on our condolences to the families of those who have lost loved ones in this tragedy."
Blair said that he was immensely proud of the close ties to Pakistan. Such ties make the growing number of casualties
even harder to bear. "Our thoughts go out to all Pakistanis. I am pleased that there are already British search and
rescue teams on the ground helping to locate survivors. We stand ready to provide more assistance, as and when
required," the British Prime Minister said. President of the Republic of Korea, Roh Moo-hyun in his message to
President, Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan said, "it is with profound sadness that I have learnt of the
heavy human casualties and disastraous damage caused by the massive earthquake that has taken place in your country on
October 8."
On behalf of the government and the people of the Republic of Korea, the Korean President expressed his deepest sympathy
and condolences to the President and the people of Pakistan, in particular to the victims and bereaved families of the
disaster. "I earnestly hope for the quick rescue and rehabilitation from the disaster," he said. Prime Minister of the
Republic of Korea, Lee Hae-Chan in a message to Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz said, "I am shocked and grieved to learn the
massive earthquake in your country resulting in heavy human causalities and disastrous damage on October 8." He
expressed his sincere sympathy and heartfelt condolences to the Prime Minister and the bereaved families of the victims.