ISLAMABAD, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan on Monday sent condolences to the Russian government over the deaths in the crash of a Russian airliner.

The Antonov-148 of Saratov Airlines with 65 passengers and a crew of six was en route from Moscow to Orsk of the Orenburg Region in western Russia, before it crashed on Sunday shortly after taking off, killing all 71 on board.

"The people and the Government of Pakistan are deeply saddened at the tragic crash of a Russian passenger aircraft, resulting in the loss of seventy-one precious lives," the foreign ministry said in a statement.

"We convey our deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families," the statement said.

"The people and the Government of Pakistan share the pain of the people and the Government of the Russian Federation and stand by them in this hour of grief," it further said.