ISLAMABAD, Oct 23 (DNA):Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday expressed deep sadness over the tragic loss of precious lives and injuries caused by a devastating earthquake in Nagqu city of Xizang Autonomous Region of China.

“On behalf of the Government and people of Pakistan, I extend our heartfelt condolences to President Xi Jinping, and our Chinese brothers and sisters, especially the bereaved families who have lost their loved ones and prayers for the swift recovery of the injured,” the prime minister wrote on his X timeline.

Reaffirming solidarity with China during this difficult time, the prime minister said that Pakistan stood in support of its Chinese brothers and sisters and was ready to extend every possible assistance.

According to Chinese Xinhua news agency, sixteen people were killed and 32 others injured after a 7.0-magnitude earthquake struck Baqen County of Nagqu City in southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region on Thursday night.