Pakistan to participate in video conference of SAARC countries after PM Modi suggests joint coronavirus strategy
Pakistan has stated that it will take part in a video conference of SAARC countries as it admitted the exigency for ‘coordinated efforts at global and regional level’, this comes a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi suggested the bloc could join hands to counter the perils of Covid-19.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had established contact with the eight member South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) to outline a firm plan to fight coronavirus outbreak and called for a discussion via video conferencing.
The Pakistan foreign affairs ministry’s spokesperson on Friday said Prime Minister Imran Khan’s special assistant for health had been assigned to take part in the proposed video conference.
“The threat of COVID-19 requires coordinated efforts at global and regional level. We have communicated that SAPM (special assistant to Prime Minister) on Health will be available to participate in video conference of SAARC member countries on the issue,” the tweet read.
Earlier, the spokesperson had stated that Pakistan was ready to extend help to its neighbours.
PM Modi had on twitter urged India’s neighbours to work togeather to combat the coronavirus spread that has claimed more than 5,000 lives across the globe and infected more than 130,000 people.
“I would like to propose that the leadership of SAARC nations chalk out a strong strategy to fight Coronavirus. We could discuss, via video conferencing, ways to keep our citizens healthy. Together, we can set an example to the world, and contribute to a healthier planet,” he tweeted.
Bangladesh, Bhutan, Afghanistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Maldives – the other SAARC members had responded promptly to PM Modi’s call.
India has thus far recorded two deaths and more than 80 infections, including 17 foreigners, while Pakistan has reported 21 cases and Afghanistan has thus far reported seven positive cases and 60 suspected cases.
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