Excellency,

I am deeply shocked and grieved at the loss of precious lives of our Chinese brethren and damage to property caused by the severe earthquake that hit China today.

On behalf of the people and Government of Pakistan and on my own behalf, I would like to convey our deep sympathies to the bereaved families and to all those who have been affected by this calamity. We are sure that the resilient people of China will recover from the aftermath of this disaster in the shortest possible time.

At this difficult time, we stand by the great Chinese people and assure them of our full support and solidarity.

Please accept, Excellency, the assurance of my highest consideration.

                                                                                                                                         (Pervez Musharraf)

                                                                                                                                                President

                                                                                                                                  Islamic Republic of Pakistan

His Excellency

Mr. Hu Jintao

President

People's Republic of China

Beijing.

12 May 2008