UK announces £2.67 million package to help Pakistan combating the pandemic

UK on Saturday announced a £2.67 million package for Pakistan to tackle the spread of coronavirus pandemic that has taken over 150,000 lives across the world.

So far more that 140 deaths have been recorded in Pakistan over a period of one month raising concerns for the country of 215 million people could face a rapid and devastating increase due to the lack of sustainable medical infrastructure and over populated cities.

Dr Christian Turner, the British High Commissioner to Pakistan— in a video message on Twitter stated: “Today the UK is announcing health support of £2.67 million to Pakistan, to detect the virus, protect communities, and assist the most affected.”

“This is an extraordinary situation as millions have been affected by coronavirus,” he said.

Turner noted that the people around the world have changed their behaviours and conduct following the pandemic that killed thousands of people across the globe. Social distancing and precautionary measures has become the most pressing requirement.

“We are also repurposing DFID’s(Department for International Development) work in Pakistan to help the most vulnerable,” said the British diplomat.

He expressed confidence in the country and said that Pakistan had the capability to cope and overcome the coronavirus crisis.

“Although we are socially distancing, we are coming together,” he noted.

“We can count on friends in difficult times,” Turner added.

Earlier a day ago, the IMF approved the disbursement of US$1.386 billion to Pakistan under the Rapid Financing Instrument to address the economic impact of the coronavirus shock.

“While uncertainty remains high, the near-term economic impact of COVID-19 is expected to be significant, giving rise to large fiscal and external financing needs,” IMF said its statement.