Islamabad: The Government and people of Pakistan are deeply grieved at the tragic loss of precious lives and extensive damage to property caused by the recent cloudburst in Kishtwar, Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

Foreign Office Spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan in a statement issued on Friday said that we extend our sincere condolences to the bereaved families and pray for the speedy recovery of the injured.

FO spokesperson said that Pakistan stands in solidarity with the Kashmiris in this time of distress and reiterates its unwavering support for their resilience in the face of continuing hardships.

It is worth mentioning here that the death toll from a massive cloudburst that devastated a remote mountain village in Kishtwar district of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), has risen to 65, including two Indian Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel.

The disaster struck Chositi, the last motorable point en route to the revered Hindus Machail Mata temple. At the time, a large number of Hindus had gathered for the annual Yatra, which began on July 25 and was scheduled to conclude on September 5.

The death toll could go up as more people are believed to be trapped, officials said. The condition of 38 among the rescued is said to be serious.

Several victims are in a critical condition with broken ribs and legs, their injuries reflecting the sheer force of the cloudburst and subsequent landslides. 'Most have severe injuries - some on the chest, some on the head and some on the legs,' medical staff said. Health officials also suspected sand and mud lodged deep inside patients' throats, lungs and wounds.