NEW DELHI, Oct 29: Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has expressed grief over the loss of life and property in Wednesday’s earthquake in Pakistan and offered all possible assistance from India in providing relief to the affected people.

“I am deeply grieved to hear of the earthquake that struck Balochistan causing widespread loss of life and property,” Mr Singh said in a letter to Mr Gilani.

“On behalf of the people of India, I express our sincere condolences to the families of those who have perished in this natural calamity. The Government of India stands ready to offer all possible assistance that you may require to provide relief to the people affected by this tragedy.”

The two countries have usually been forthcoming, ignoring their aloofness, with offers of help in each other’s moment of ordeal.

Pakistan had sent a planeload of relief to Gujarat when the state suffered a major earthquake in January 2001.

Mr Singh made the offer to Mr Gilani soon after the quake rocked Balochistan.