APD | Pakistan stands by China in fight against novel coronavirus

****By APD writer Muhammad Sohail

ISLAMABAD, Feb. 6 (APD) – The government and people of Pakistan have stood by China with a loud and clear voice and support in the fight against novel coronavirus since it broke out in China last month, experts said Wednesday.

Director of Islamabad Council for International Affairs Professor Saeed Chaudhry told Asia Pacific Daily (APD) that Pakistan and China have not become iron brothers verbally but the world started terming their relations with unique terminologies because of their steadfastness to each other during the tests.

In my view, the biggest support Pakistan did to China is that Pakistan did not panic and expressed complete trust in China in this difficult time, said the expert, adding that Pakistani leadership did not take popular the decision to appease its vote bank despite it was facing pressure from some quarters to bring 30,000 Pakistanis present in China.

Pakistani government decided not to repatriate Pakistani citizens stranded in China in accordance with the recommendations of the World Health Organization saying that the evacuation would be against Pakistan’s national interest.

Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Health Zafar Mirza last week told a press conference that we stand by China in full solidarity and right now the government of China has contained this epidemic.

“We believe that right now, it is in the interest of our loved ones in China. It is in the larger interest of the region, world, and country that we do not evacuate them now. We don’t want to copy any other country, because it would be irresponsible,” said Mirza.

A small and frightened group of Pakistani students in China sent some video messages back home and demanded the government to evacuate them. However, a huge number of citizens rushed to social media websites and requested them to be patient and trust China for the best time ahead.

Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi called his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi and assured him that Pakistani people stand firmly with their Chinese brothers and would provide full assistance.

Wang Yi told Qureshi that Pakistan’s offer for help and support to China in a tough time once again highlighted the deep friendship between the two neighbors. Wang assured Qureshi that Beijing would continue to safeguard the safety and health of Pakistanis and provide them with all necessary assistance.

Pakistani President Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Imran Khan send separate letters to their counterparts in China vowing to support China in every situation. Pakistani Prime Minister also offered to send a mobile hospital and a team of medical experts to the affected areas.

Pakistan on Friday halted flights to and from China with an immediate effect, but resumed them on Monday after ensuring the implementation of a strict medical standard operating procedure at the airport.

Pakistan also sent medical supplies for Wuhan through its own military areophane, including medical masks, hazmat suits, gloves, and other medical items from the stock of its public hospitals.

Earlier on Monday, China also expressed gratitude to Pakistan for standing firmly with China in fighting the coronavirus and offering medical supplies.

In recognition of Pakistan’s services to China, Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Yao Jing wrote an article recently saying that China-Pakistan relations are as solid as a rock, which is the result of long-term cultivation from weals and woes, the two governments and peoples have been through.

“We are even more touched by the deeds of the Pakistani people in wish to help Chinese. A good neighbor is a blessing. We are sure to win the battle of prevention and control of the epidemic, said Yao, adding, “the support and encouragement from international friends, including Pakistan, have raised our confidence in victory.”

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)