ISLAMABAD, Dec 27: Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali has expressed deep shock and sorrow over the heavy death toll caused by a devastating earthquake that hit the city of Bam in Iran.

The prime minister said he had directed the ministry of health to send two plane loads of medicines and blankets to help the victims.

“We have contacted the Iranian ambassador in Pakistan and offered every possible assistance to help the brotherly country,” he added.

Minister of Health Nasir Khan said on the directives of the prime minister, two C-130 plane loads of medicines, first-aid kits and blankets were being sent to Iran on Saturday.

He said a team of civilian and army surgeons would be leaving for Iran shortly.