Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has set up a crisis management cell to facilitate and assist Pakistani nationals affected by the earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand, Business Recorder reported, citing a statement issued by the ministry.

The ministry extended full solidarity with the people of Myanmar and Thailand and directed Pakistani embassies in Yangon and Bangkok to provide immediate support to nationals in case of emergencies.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on social media platform X, “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, safety, and a swift recovery from this catastrophe.”

Additionally, the crisis management unit at the ministry in Islamabad has been activated to monitor the situation and coordinate assistance efforts, according to Business Recorder.

The move comes after a devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake killed and injured thousands of people in Myanmar. The earthquake also destroyed buildings and bridges and cracked roads across Myanmar.

The quake also hit Thailand, with the capital city, Bangkok, being the most affected.

Much of the destruction happened in Mandalay, which is Myanmar’s second largest city and lies only about 17 km from the epicentre of the earthquake.

An earthquake of magnitude 7.3 was also felt in various parts of Bangladesh, including Dhaka and Chattogram, according to news agency PTI. According to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department, the earthquake with the epicentre at Mandalay in Myanmar near the Bangladesh border hit at 12:25 pm, the news agency added.