ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Wednesday expressed grief over the loss of life in Nepal’s recent political unrest and voiced hope that the Himalayan nation will move toward harmony and “renewed hope” in the days ahead.
The statement came as soldiers guarded Nepal’s parliament and patrolled deserted streets of the capital Katmandu under curfew after two days of deadly anti-corruption protests forced Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli to resign.
The turmoil, ignited by a social-media ban announced last week, has left at least 25 people dead and more than 600 injured, with demonstrators torching the homes of senior ministers.
The army has warned that any “vandalism, looting, arson and attacks on individuals and property in the name of protest will be considered punishable crimes.”
“Pakistan is deeply grieved at the loss of precious lives in Nepal,” the foreign office said in a statement circulated in Islamabad late Wednesday. “We convey condolences to the bereaved families and offer prayers for the swift recovery of the injured.”
