A tsunami tidal wave smashes vehicles and houses at Kesennuma city in Miyagi prefecture, northern Japan.—AFP

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has expressed solidarity with the Japanese government and its people on the tragic earthquake that hit the country on Friday.

President Asif Ali Zardari said he is deeply shocked over the loss of lives and wide scale damages caused by the earthquake and the subsequent tsunami.

In a message to the Emperor of Japan Akihito, Zardari said the government and people of Pakistan stand with the Japanese people in total solidarity and support in this time of great trial.

He said Pakistan stands ready to provide any assistance to help its Japanese friends overcome the impact of the enormous natural calamity.

Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani in a message to his Japanese counterpart Naoto Kan, said the government and people of Pakistan stand in full solidarity with the Japanese people and government at this hour of grief and tragedy.

“We are deeply disturbed and shocked to hear about the loss of life and devastation caused by the terrible earthquake and tsunami.”