Pakistan Senate passes unanimous resolution to acknowledge China’s support

Islamabad: Pakistan’s Senate on Thursday passed a unanimous resolution expressing deep appreciation to China for its strong support and timely assistance to Pakistan during the current Coronavirus crisis.

The resolution, moved by leader of the Opposition Raja Zafar-ul-Haq, said China’s support had helped Pakistan to combat COVID-19 by protecting our people, saving our lives, as well as providing our health workers with testing kits, protective gears, and ventilators at a time when these were badly need plus sending medical teams, which are still coming.

The Senate also rejects the baseless propaganda against China from certain quarters, which stems from geo-political rivalry and more an attempt to divert world attention from their own internal failings.

“The Senate feels that this resolution, just prior to May 21, which marks the 69th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China on May 21, 1951, is an auspicious occasion to celebrate the resilience of our time tested friendship, which is evident from China’s consistent support to Pakistan on Kashmir, China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and now on COVID-19,” the resolution said.

Earlier, resuming discussion on Covid-19 in the Senate today, Lawmakers have called for evolving a uniformed policy to deal with the novel Coronavirus pandemic.

Senator Aurangzeb said the government should provide Personal Protection Equipment and other facilities to health workers, who are the frontline soldiers in fight against the contagion. He said also demanded of the government for early repatriation of stranded Pakistanis in various countries.

Mian Ateeq said problems of common Pakistanis should be resolved under a collective vision. He said in the time of digital world, students and other people were doing their academic and business work through internet in the wake of COVID-19. He urged the government to withdraw duty on import of laptops and other digital goods so that students and business people can continue their activities, while maintaining social distance.

The session is being held under strict adherence of health guidelines and standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure safety of the members and the Assembly staff.

Foreign Office spokesperson Aisha Farooqui said China is all all-weather friend and Pakistan was proud of the everlasting friendship. “China is our brother. We have been together through thick and thin. The friendship is higher than Himalayas,” she said. China has helped Pakistan a lot during the o going coronavirus pandemic.