Coronavirus: Pak Accepts PM Modi's Proposal, Will Participate In COVID-19 Conference

SAARC COVID-19 Conference: Responding to PM Modi's proposal, Pakistan acknowledged that the threat of COVID-19 required coordinated efforts at global and regional level

Photo: AFP

New Delhi: Responding positively to PM Modi's proposal, Pakistan has agreed to participate in a video conference of South Asian Association Regional Cooperation (SAARC) member countries to combat the coronavirus pandemic that has killed over 5000 people globally. PM Modi's proposal was welcomed by all leaders of the eight-member regional grouping.  In a series of tweets on Friday, Modi said: "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."

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.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 13, 2020

Responding to the proposal, Aisha Farooqui, the spokesperson for the Pakistan Foreign Office, acknowledged that the threat of COVID-19 required coordinated efforts at global and regional level, The Express Tribune reported. "We have communicated that SAPM on Health (Zafar Mirza( will be available to participate in the video conference of SAARC member countries on the issue," she said in a tweet early Saturday morning. On Thursday, Farooqui had said that Pakistan was ready to cooperate and extend any assistance to its neighbours including India to deal with the coronavirus. India has reported two coronavirus deaths with over 80 cases, while Pakistan has confirmed 28 infections so far. (With agency inputs)