ISLAMABAD: “We are deeply saddened at the earthquake that struck Badghis province in western part of Afghanistan on Tuesday (January 17) that resulted in the loss of many precious lives as well as destruction of property”, said Foreign Office in a statement here on Tuesday.

The statement said ‘the government and people of Pakistan convey their heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones, and also pray for early recovery of those injured in this earthquake. According to media reports, at least 26 people were killed after an earthquake hit western Afghanistan late Monday. The shallow quake was of 5.3 magnitude, according to the US Geological Survey.

The victims died when roofs of their houses collapsed in Qadis district in the western province of Badghis, reports quoting spokesman for the province Baz Muhammad Sarwary said. According to Sarwary, five women and four children are among the 26 people killed in the earthquake. Four more were injured. The quake also inflicted damage on the residents of Muqr district in the province.