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News

FM Qureshi to undergo coronavirus test

March 18, 2020 11:58 AM


Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi has said he has self-isolated himself following his return from China where he went as a part of the presidential delegation that included the federal minister Asad Umer too.

Speaking to 24NewsHD TV channel, Shah Mehmood Qureshi said “We underwent a blood test before leaving for China and after our return we underwent several tests again,” and added that for now he had isolated himself away from the family. “My family is far away from me, and for now I don’t want to go closer to my children.”

Qureshi said that the experts advised him to undergo the coronavirus test, adding that the results of the blood tests that were taken upon their return from China would be available by today.

He said that the purpose of the visit in these critical times was to express solidarity with China, and said that Pakistani students in China “seemed confident and are safe there.”

While the world is blaming China (for the spread of the virus), “Chinese President said he owes Pakistan big time,” adding that coronavirus could never affect CPEC.

Qureshi said that the number of coronavirus patients is increasing in Pakistan, adding “No government or any single organization can fight this situation single-handedly. People should take preemptive measures as much as possible.”

About the Pakistani pilgrims that visited Iran, one of the most affected countries by the coronavirus, the federal minister said, “The pilgrims had to return to their homes (Pakistan) one day,” admitting that the government’s measures on the border were inadequate. “It was a tough decision for the government to decide the return of the pilgrims.”

Qureshi said that no one person can tackle the spread of the coronavirus, adding “We all will have to be united against this deadly contagion.”

Alluding to the Chinese efficiency that eventually controlled or at least managed to prevent it from spreading further; he said: “Yesterday only one case was reported in Wuhan, the birthplace of the virus.”

Calling a spade a spade, the federal minister said “We’ll have to live with this situation for some time,” but added: “We will also have to create a balanced atmosphere.”

“We’ll also have to see the effects that a complete lockdown could cause to the economy,” Qureshi said and added that it is also incumbent upon us all to take our people into confidence in order to mitigate their miseries.

He said “These are no times for holding processions,” adding that media showed national unity against the Indian aggression.

About the Saudi pilgrims, Qureshi said he had discussed with Saudi authorities regarding the return of the Umrah pilgrims, adding that the Pakistani side requested the phased return of the pilgrims.

“The PM has formed a National Coordination Committee against the spread of coronavirus.”



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