Qureshi lauds China for protecting Pakistanis amid coronavirus outbreak
China assured that they are using all resources to protect the Pakistani students.
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Friday in a telephonic conversation with his Chinese counterpart Wang Xi briefly discussed the impacts of coronovirus outbreak along with the areas affected by it.
Chinese FM Xi apprised Qureshi about the affected areas and the government’s security measures to prevent the deadly virus. He said that the Wealth Health Organization (WHO) has praised the Chinese government’s effort in the battle against coronavirus. He added that their government is facilitating the Pakistani community with everything as their own citizens.
He assured the FM that they are using all the resources to protect the Pakistani students in China. Almost 500 Pakistanis are studying in various universities of Wuhan, which is in virtual lockdown, while the total number of Pakistani nationals in China is between 28,000 and 30,000 – most of them are students.
FM Qureshi expressed his gratitude towards the Chinese authorities for dealing with the epidemic and helping Pakistanis, especially students. He said that the people and government of Pakistan stand with China in this difficult time.
At least 213 people have died and nearly 10,000 people have been infected in China by the new coronavirus while new cases were found abroad, with more than 20 countries now affected by the disease.
The UN’s World Health Organization has declared the outbreak a global health emergency, but said it was not recommending any international trade or travel restrictions and urged the numerous countries already taking such measures to reconsider.
On Jan 30, Foreign Office stated that people and leadership of Pakistan stand by the Chinese people and leadership in their valiant efforts to bring the coronavirus under control.
Pakistan praised China for taking swift, strong and effective measures to contain the outbreak at a scale that is unprecedented in dealing with a challenge of this nature. "The top Chinese leadership has been overseeing the disease control efforts," added FO spokesperson.
A notification by the FO read: "For our part, we stand ready to extend every possible assistance to our Chinese brethren to help deal with the aftermath of coronavirus. We are also extremely thankful to the Chinese government for extending best possible assistance to Pakistani nationals in China. We have no doubt that the brotherly Chinese people will overcome this challenge with their characteristic strength and resilience".
