LAHORE April 27 (DNA) : SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCC) Tuesday expressed solidarity with the people of India ,making a strong pitch for SAARC nations to jointly combat coronavirus, proposed setting up a COVID-19 emergency fund to deal with the pandemic effectively.
Talking to a think tank delegation led by Mian Faiz Bukhsh Arain, here today SAARC Chamber Chief Iftikhar Ali Malik said “ we in the wake of massive surge in covid 19 cases in India express solidarity and extend sympathies to the affected families combating the deadly virus”. He said current wave of covid 19 pandemic has hit this region hard and stressed the urgent need for fighting this global challenge together.He said it is important for South Asian countries to focus on collaboration, not confusion, and preparation, not panic.
He said it is time now SAARC member states must come forward with firm commitment and solemn determination setting an example to the world, and contribute to a healthier planet putting all kinds of skirmish on the backburner as corona virus is a common threat for human beings.
Iftikhar Ali Malik said the SAARC governments should make all out efforts to combat and actively coordinate for necessary emergency funding from both the local and international sources to ward off any negative impacts of coronavirus on livelihoods, jobs, especially the industry.
Appreciating Prime Minister Imran Khan for taking exigent measures against coronavirus in Pakistan, Iftikhar Malik said the good thing is that Pakistan was exploiting all available resources to deal with the deadly virus. He also urged all segments of the society especially business community to play their role in containing the spread of novel coronavirus by strictly adhering to sops.
While concluding he said Pakistan continues to work with south Association for regional cooperation countries to foster cooperation to tackle the pandemic
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