Pak ready for SAARC-level talks on tackling coronavirus
Last updated on: 15 March,2020 05:30 pm
Dr Zafar Mirza will participate in a video conference of SAARC member countries
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) –Pakistan on Sunday agreed to Indian invitation to participate in a meeting of the South Asian Association Regional Cooperation (SAARC) nations via video conferencing to discuss means to tackle the novel coronavirus pandemic that has killed over 5,000 people across the world.
Pakistan responded to the appeal by the Indian government and said they will be available for talks.
Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Health Dr Zafar Mirza will participate in a video conference of SAARC member countries to formulate a joint strategy to combat the fast-spreading coronavirus pandemic.
It is pertinent here to mention that Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a tweet said, “The threat of #COVID-19 requires coordinated efforts at global and regional level. We have communicated that SAPM on Health will be available to participate in the video conference of #SAARC member countries on the issue.”
The deadly virus that first originated in the Chinese city of Wuhan in December last year has claimed over 5,000 lives and infected more than 150,000 people across 135 countries and territories.
China remains the hardest-hit with more than 80,000 infections and 3,199 deaths.
No death has been reported in Pakistan while two persons have died in India due to the disease. So far, 35 cases of coronavirus have been reported in Pakistan and there are 107 confirmed cases in India.
Afghanistan has reported 11 confirmed cases while Sri Lanka’ tally has risen to 10. Other members - Maldives, Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan - have reported cases in single digit.
All countries have individually taken measures to prevent spread of virus within their borders.