Islamabad (TDI): Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif, has expressed grief and support for Myanmar and Thailand in the wake of the devastating earthquake that hit Myanmar on Friday.
On a post on X, Prime Minister Shehbaz said he was “deeply saddened” and that Pakistan’s “thoughts and prayers” are with the people of Myanmar and Thailand in this difficult time of calamity.
Shehbaz Sharif wished strength, safety, and recovery for the affected people in both countries.
A 7.7/7.9 devastating earthquake hit Myanmar on Friday, followed shortly by an aftershock of 6.7 magnitude. Since then, Myanmar’s military has reported over 1000 people dead and more than 2000 are injured. The death toll is expected to rise as rescue teams reach more people.
Deeply saddened by the devastating earthquake in Thailand and Myanmar. Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of both countries as they pass through this difficult time. Pakistan stands in solidarity with Thailand and Myanmar, offers our support and wishes them strength,…
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) March 29, 2025
The tremors of the earthquake whose epicenter was in Myanmar were also felt in Bangkok, Thailand and some regions of China as well. Thailand’s capital is 1000km away from the epicenter.
Last night as the news of the deadly earthquake reached the world, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar expressed solidarity with the governments and people of Myanmar and Thailand.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan quickly alerted the Crisis Management Unit and created liaison with Pakistan’s Embassies in Yangon and Bangkok, while also publicly issuing emergency contact numbers.
Read More: Pakistan Embassies on Alert to Assist Citizens in Myanmar, Thailand After Quake
China and Russia Dispatch Rescue Teams
A strong rescue team of eighty two members from China’s Yunnan province has landed in Myanmar via a chartered Air China flight, equipped with emergency supplies while Russia’s EMERCOM has also dispatched two aircraft carriers.
One hundred twenty rescue experts are aboard on the Russian aircrafts, including ” K9 search units, anesthesiologists & psychologists.”
The rescue team from China is equipped with detectors, earthquake early warning systems, a portable satellite and drones for disaster relief.
⚡️ @MchsRussia: Russia’s EMERCOM dispatches two aircraft carrying rescue personnel to #Myanmar to assist in earthquake recovery efforts.
The unit comprises 120 specialists & also includes K9 search units, anesthesiologists & psychologists.https://t.co/g4NPHG84gi#RussiaHelps pic.twitter.com/SRhnwE59rx
— MFA Russia 🇷🇺 (@mfa_russia) March 28, 2025
Myanmar’s military leader, General Min Aung Hlaing, has made a plea for help, aid, and rescue from all countries of the world. “I would like to invite any country, any organisation or anyone in Myanmar to come and help. Thank you,” he said.
China and Russia are one of the first countries to respond to Myanmar’s call for help and rescue amidst this damaging earthquake.
Nuzhat Rana is an Associate Editor at The Diplomatic Insight.
