NEW DELHI: As the death toll from the devastating earthquake in Nepal continues to rise, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif called on his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi to discuss how SAARC nations can work together in times of natural disasters.
“SAARC nations can hold annual exercises of rescue teams, doctors etc on how we can minimise damage during natural disasters,” the Indian premier said in a series of tweets.
According to Modi, PM Nawaz called to appreciate India’s rescue efforts in the disaster stricken Nepal and also expressed condolences for the numerous lives lost in India due to the earthquake.
According to latest reports, the death toll in Nepal has gone up to 5,489. Pakistan, India and China have helped the disaster-hit country by sending medical teams comprising doctors and paramedics along with relief goods.
Read: Rain hampers Nepal rescue teams as death toll rises
With torrential rains wreaking havoc in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, the heads of the two neighbouring states also discussed the unseasonal downpour.
Read: Sudden calamity: Rain of death batters K-P
PM Nawaz’s call to Modi comes just a day after his interview with the Saudi Gazette where he expressed that there was no sign from India to make amends and resume dialogue.
Read: Peace priority: India suspended talks on ‘frivolous pretext’, says PM
Premier Nawaz said Pakistan was ready for “constructive dialogue for negotiated settlement of all issues, including the issue of Jammu and Kashmir”.
