Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said that Pakistan’s contribution to earthquake relief efforts in Turkiye is a repayment of Turkish generrsity in the past.

He especially mentioned the Turkish first lady’s donation of her own bracelet for flood relief efforts in Pakistan. He also added that the relationship between Pakistan and Turkey goes back centuries.

Shehbaz is in Turkiye on a two-day visit to offer support and solidarity to victims of a devasting earthquake whose death toll has now crossed 42,000 people.

In a tweet, Shehbaz said he ‘expressed profound condolences to him on behalf of people & government of Pakistan’ in his meeting with Turkish President Erdogan.

“I am confident that under President’s leadership, Türkiye will emerge from this catastrophe stronger,” he added.

State broadcaster PTV also showed videos of the PM condoling with earthquake affectees with the aid of a translator.

“Inshallah, it is a difficult time, it will be over,” he is seen telling a lady as she points out her destroyed home.