Islamabad, Nov 18 (IANS): Pakistan has dispatched humanitarian relief assistance to the earthquake victims of Iran, said officials.

A C-130 plane, carrying 12 tons of relief goods, was sent to Tehran on the directives of Pakistani Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, the country's National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said on Friday, Xinhua news agency reported.

The shipment included 165 tents, 1,050 blankets, 200 tarpaulins, 200 plastic mats, food items and other supplies, which were handed over by the NDMA team to Iranian officials at the Tehran airport.

Pakistan and Iran have enjoyed a long-standing friendship, reflecting in every hour of need, the authority said, adding that the Pakistan government has reiterated its resolve to provide all possible assistance to help the bereaved families.

A 7.3-magnitude earthquake rattled the border region between Iran and Iraq on Sunday night, leaving almost 500 people dead and extensive damage.