ANKARA, May 14, 2014: It is with profound sorrow that we have learnt of the tragic mine accident, resulting in the loss of over two hundred precious lives in western Turkey, yesterday.
As our Turkish brethren mourn their national loss, the people of Pakistan stand in complete solidarity with them. We offer our deep condolences to the families of the deceased and pray for safe rescue and early recovery of the still trapped miners. The President and the Prime Minister have both sent messages of condolences to the Turkish leadership over the incident.
As a brotherly nation with an abiding relationship of love and amity, Pakistan stands ready to extend all possible support to Turkey in the relief effort.
In solidarity with the people of Turkey in the wake of tragic incident of Soma, the Government of Pakistan will observe Day of Mourning tomorrow i.e. 15th May 2014. The National Flag of Pakistan will remain at half mast.
The Prime Minister of Pakistan in a written message to Turkish Prime Minister has condoled over the loss of lives as a result of tragic mine incident in Soma, Manisa. Prime Prime Minister of Pakistan Mr. Muhammad Nawaz Sharif in his message to Prime Minister Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said:
“I am following developments relating to the tragic mine explosion in western Turkey with deep anguish and concern. We mourn with you and the people of Turkey the loss of so many precious lives, as we pray for the safety and swift and successful rescue of those still trapped inside.
I assure you that the Government and people of Pakistan stand shoulder to shoulder with their Turkish brothers and sisters in this hour of grief and sorrow. I am certain that Turkey will rise to this challenge with its customary courage and deal with the consequences with its traditional resilience.
Through your good offices, I would like to offer condolences and convey to the people of Turkey that the prayers of the entire Pakistani nation are with them. We are praying for the souls of the departed and that Allah Almighty may shower His blessings on them while granting their next of kin the courage and fortitude to bear this loss with equanimity. At the same time, we are also praying for the safe return of those still trapped in the mine, to their loved ones.
I have no doubt that buoyed by its indomitable spirit, the brotherly nation of Turkey would emerge ever stronger from this calamity.
Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.”