ISLAMABAD – Pakistan Foreign Office on Tuesday expressed deep grief andoffered condolences to Russia over Siberian mall fire that killed at least64 people, including 41 children.

A press release issued by the ministry said, “The people and Government ofPakistan are deeply grieved to learn about the tragic fire incident in theshopping mall in Kemerovo, Russian Federation, resulting in loss of morethan 50 precious lives and injuries to many.”

“We convey our deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to the bereavedfamilies and pray for early recovery of the injured,” it said.

“The people and Government of Pakistan share the grief of the people andthe Government of the Russian Federation and stand by them in this momentof grief,” added the press release.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday said “criminal negligence” wasto blame for a Siberian mall fire after the victims found themselvestrapped in the inferno because of locked doors.

A criminal probe has been opened and five people have been arrested overSunday’s blaze, which raged through the busy shopping centre in theindustrial city of Kemerovo in western Siberia.