Ready to take part in SAARC video conference: Pak

Islamabad, March 14

Pakistan has said it will participate in a video conference of SAARC member countries proposed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to combat the fast-spreading Covid pandemic that has killed over 5,000 people globally.

Modi reached out to the eight-member regional grouping on Friday and pitched for a video conference among the leaders of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) to chalk out a strong strategy to combat the outbreak.

Pakistan responded positively to Modi’s proposal, saying it was ready to participate in the conference, acknowledging that coordinated efforts were needed to minimise the threat posed by the deadly virus.

“We have communicated that special assistant to Pakistani Prime Minister on health (Zafar Mirza) will be available to participate in the video conference,” Pakistan Foreign Office spokesperson Aisha Farooqui said in a tweet on Friday.

Mirza is leading Pakistan’s campaign against the virus.

In a series of tweets, Modi said,”our planet is battling the Covid. At various levels, governments and people are trying their best to combat it. South Asia, which is home to a significant number of the global population should leave no stone unturned to ensure our people are healthy.”

“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 said in another tweet.

Modi’s suggestion was backed by all member states of SAARC. All leaders of the grouping welcomed the Prime Minister’s proposal. Pakistan’s response to the proposal came late in the night. — PTI

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Pak shuts access to Kartarpur from its side

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