Pakistan’s top leadership today offered condolences and pledged support to Southeast Asian nations reeling from catastrophic floods that have claimed hundreds of lives, left many unaccounted for, and caused widespread displacement.

President Asif Ali Zardari expressed profound sorrow over the tragedy, stating the disaster, which has affected Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand, has caused great distress to the people of Pakistan.

He conveyed heartfelt sympathies to the families who have lost loved ones and to the governments and people of the impacted nations. The President affirmed that Pakistan stands by the affected countries as they navigate this crisis and will remain closely engaged with regional partners and international organisations to explore practical ways of providing assistance within its capacity.

Prime Minister Mohammad Shehbaz Sharif, in a separate message, said Pakistan stands in solidarity with the people, governments, and leadership of the three countries in this hour of grief.

Both leaders offered prayers for the departed. The Prime Minister prayed for the safe return of those still missing and for the swift recovery of all affected communities, while the President also prayed for the safe recovery of the missing.