ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Saturday expressed deep grief over the death of seven Canadian Pakistanis, including four children, in Chestermere locality of Alberta, Canada, caused by a house fire.

“I am deeply grieved over the loss of Pakistani nationals in a fire incident. We are in contact with the Canadian authorities for investigation into the incident,” he said in a statement.

Four children among seven killed in incident

He also prayed for peace of the departed soul and strength to the bereaved family to bear the loss with fortitude.

Mr Qureshi said that on his instructions, the Pakistan High Commissioner and Consulate in Vancouver were constantly in contact with the affected family.

Earlier, Foreign Office spokesperson Zahid Hafeez Chaudhry expressed dismay over the loss of precious lives. “We are deeply saddened by the tragic death, due to house fire, of seven Canadian Pakistanis including four children in Alberta, Canada. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims of this tragic incident. We also pray for quick and full recovery of the injured,” the spokesperson said in a statement.

Published in Dawn, July 4th, 2021