Aftershocks would likely to continue in quake-hit areas of Pakistan's southwestern Balochistan province during next week with a gradual decrease in the magnitude, an official said on Thursday.

The Associated Press of Pakistan quoted Qamar-uz-Zaman Chaudhry, Director General of Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) as saying that 44 significant aftershocks were recorded in the affected areas during the day time on Wednesday, which were of 4 to 5 magnitude on Richter scale.

However, the magnitude of recent aftershocks was between 3 to 4, which he termed as a significant change.

He said cloudy weather would prevail in earthquake-affected areas including Ziarat, Pishin and Quetta during next 24 hours. However, there is no chance of rain.

Two major quakes hit Balochistan early Wednesday morning and the death toll in the deadly earthquake reached 200 on Thursday.

(Xinhua News Agency October 30, 2008)