State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan visited the Pakistan embassy in China in Beijing Thursday morning to offer deep condolences, on behalf of the Chinese government and people, to the nation's earthquake victims.

As a good neighbor, Tang said, China and its people are very much concerned about the catastrophe that Pakistani people suffered and are greatly sympathetic to the victims.

China has quickly mobilized financial and material assistance to Pakistan and will play an active role in Pakistan's post-disaster reconstruction process, Tang said.

He expressed his belief that the Pakistani people will be sure to overcome the disaster and rebuild their homeland under the leadership of President Pervez Musharraf and the Pakistani government.

Pakistani ambassador to China Salman Bashir expressed the appreciation, on behalf of his government and people, for the prompt, effective support and assistance by the Chinese government and people.

He said Pakistan and its people are very much touched and encouraged by the brotherly affection from Chinese leaders and people and they are confident in overcoming the difficulties and reconstructing their homes.

A powerful quake, of a magnitude of 7.6 on the Richter scale, rocked Pakistan, India and Afghanistan last Saturday morning. According to latest reports, the death toll has risen to 23,000, and is likely to rise further.

The Pakistani embassy also started to receive condolences from people of all walks of life in China on Thursday.

(Xinhua News Agency October 14, 2005)