colombia earthquake shehbaz
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Colombia earthquake, Shehbaz Sharif expresses deep…

ByJustpaste.in

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has expressed deep sorrow and solidarity with Colombia after a powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake devastated parts of the country, killing more than 111 people and leaving widespread destruction in its wake.

The earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday, with the epicentre near San José del Palmar in the Chocó region. The powerful tremor damaged hundreds of buildings and triggered desperate rescue operations as emergency workers searched through collapsed structures for survivors.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed profound grief over the loss of precious lives and the destruction caused by the disaster. He extended heartfelt condolences to Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella, the people of Colombia and families who lost loved ones in the tragedy.

“Pakistan stands with the people of Colombia in this difficult hour,” the prime minister said in his message, conveying solidarity with those facing the devastating consequences of the earthquake.

Sharif also expressed sympathy for those injured and affected by the disaster, saying Pakistan’s thoughts and prayers were with the victims, survivors and rescue teams working in difficult conditions.

The earthquake caused severe damage across several western cities, including Pereira, Cali, Quibdó and Manizales. Hospitals were placed under pressure as injured people were brought in, while rescue workers and volunteers continued clearing rubble in search of those feared trapped.

Authorities also reported damage to infrastructure and airports, while aftershocks added to fears among residents. Colombia’s government declared an emergency to speed up rescue and relief operations.

The disaster has prompted an international response, with countries offering assistance as Colombia confronts one of its most serious seismic emergencies in years.

For Pakistan, the tragedy has once again highlighted the importance of international solidarity during natural disasters. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the Pakistani government and people shared the grief of Colombian families and prayed for strength, patience and an early recovery for everyone affected.

As rescue efforts continue, the focus remains on saving lives, supporting survivors and helping devastated communities rebuild.

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Government optimistic about launch Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi has expressed optimism that the flagship project could finally enter the implementation phase during the current year. The minister said progress on ML-1 had improved and that the government was working to ensure that the remaining requirements were completed within the agreed timelines. He said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was closely monitoring the project and had directed the relevant authorities to ensure its completion according to schedule. According to the minister, ML-1 represents the foundation of Pakistan Railways’ long-term modernisation strategy. He said upgrading the railway corridor would help increase train speeds, improve passenger services and enhance the overall operational efficiency of the rail network. The minister also stressed that transparency, merit and competitive procedures would be followed during the project. 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The ADB-backed Karachi-Rohri section is expected to serve as the starting point for the wider modernisation programme. Officials have previously indicated that preparatory work for the section could begin in 2026, provided the remaining financial and documentation requirements are completed. A long-awaited railway overhaul ML-1 has been discussed for years as a transformative project for Pakistan’s railway sector, but its implementation has repeatedly been delayed because of the scale of investment involved and disagreements over financing and project structure. The government’s decision to set a firm deadline for completing the review phase and hold another round of market consultations signals an effort to bring the project back on track. Regular monitoring by Pakistan Railways, engagement with international consultants and consultation with potential stakeholders are now expected to play a central role in finalising the project. 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