RIYADH — The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed its deep pain and sorrow to the victims of the earthquake that occurred in southern Pakistan, which resulted in a number of deaths and injuries.

The ministry expresses its stand and solidarity with our brothers in Pakistan in this great loss, and offers sincere condolences and sympathy to the families of the deceased, and to the leadership, government and people of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, with wishes for a speedy recovery for the injured.

At least 20 people were killed and over 300 others injured after a powerful 5.9 magnitude earthquake jolted a mountainous part of Pakistan's Balochistan province in the early hours of Thursday.

Disaster management officials said the death toll may increase.

The earthquake affected Quetta, Sibi, Harnai, Pishin, Qila Saifullah, Chaman, Ziarat and Zhob in Balochistan. -- SG/SPA