Pak engages in tit-for-tat, offers help to flood-hit India

responding to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's offer to help its flood victims, the Pakistan Government has responded with a tit-for-tat gesture of offering assistance to victims in flood-ravaged Jammu and Kashmir.

Both sides have been ravaged by floods that have killed over 200 people as rivers burst their banks after heavy rain.

Prime Minister Modi had in a letter to his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif on Sunday, written, "It is a matter of great distress that the retreating monsoon rains have played havoc in many parts of our two countries. In this hour of need, I offer any assistance that you may need in the relief efforts that will be undertaken by the government of Pakistan. Our resources are at your disposal."

Acknowledging Prime Minister Modi's letter, Prime Minister Sharif said, "Such solidarity in the face of crisis is indeed valuable." The Pakistani Prime Minister reciprocated with an offer to "lend a helping hand in any way possible."

Both prime ministers flew over their respective flood-hit areas over the weekend to review the extent to the flooding even as relief and rescue operations continue at a brisk pace.