PM Imran directs authorities to do all possible for students stuck in virus-hit Wuhan

SAPM Dr Zafar Mirza says four Pakistani students have fully recovered from coronavirus disease

Prime Minister Imran Khan has directed the Foreign Office and the Ministry for Overseas Pakistanis to do everything possible for students who are stuck in China’s virus-hit Wuhan city.

His PTI-led government however has said that it would not evacuate its citizens from Wuhan in an attempt to stem the spread of the novel coronavirus which has killed over 1,000 people and infected nearly 50,000 since its outbreak.

Pakistani students in China recuperating: Foreign ministry

According to a document released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), nearly 28,000 Pakistani students are studying in China.

Currently, citizens of 120 countries are present in Wuhan – the epicenter of the COVID-19 virus – but the World Health Organisation and Chinese authorities have not recommended their evacuation.

“I have issued instructions to our Foreign Office and Overseas Ministry to do everything possible for our students who are stuck in Wuhan city,” Prime Minister Imran said in a tweet on Wednesday.

I have issued instructions to our Foreign Office and Overseas Ministry to do everything possible for our students who are stuck in Wuhan city.

— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) February 12, 2020

'China grateful, deeply touched by Pakistan’s support during coronavirus epidemic'

He also reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering stance of standing by the people and government of China in their difficult and trying time. “We will be extending every material and moral support to China just as China has always stood by us during all our times of trial and tribulation,” he maintained.

Pakistan stands with the people & govt of China in their difficult & trying time and it will always stand by them. We will be extending every material & moral support to China just as China has always stood by us during all our times of trial and tribulation.

— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) February 12, 2020

Meanwhile, PM’s Special Assistant on Health Dr Zafar Mirza announced that the four Pakistani students, who were said to be recuperating from the coronavirus disease earlier, have fully recovered and discharged from the hospital.

He said that 98% of all coronavirus confirmed patients fully recover.

213/ I am pleased to confirm that Alhamdolilah our four students that had developed #coronavirus disease in China are now fully recovered and today they have been discharged from the hospital. 98% of all corona virus confirmed patients fully recover.

— Zafar Mirza (@zfrmrza) February 12, 2020