Balochistan Assembly adopts resolution on coronavirus

QUETTA: The Balochistan Assembly has expressed deep sorrow with China and Iran following mortalities caused by the novel coronavirus, approving a resolution for technical, financial and other assistance to the neighbouring countries to deal with the epidemic.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf parliamentary leader Sardar Yar Muhammad Rind tabled the resolution during the proceedings of the session which was presided over by Deputy Speaker Sardar Babar Musakhail.

“This house assured the Chinese and Iranian governments full assistance and support following the coronavirus outbreak,” said Rind, adding that the provincial assembly stands in complete solidarity with both the nations during the difficult times. The political parties unanimously adopted the resolution.

The virus outbreak in Iran has also raised alarm in the province, urging authorities to take measures to prevent it from penetrating and spreading in the country.

Earlier, Balochistan Chief Secretary Captain (retd) Fazeel Asghar said that the provincial government has taken stringent steps to prevent the spread of coronavirus in Pakistan.

“Balochistan government has taken all security measures to prevent the deadly virus from reaching Pakistan,” he said, while chairing a high-level meeting in the wake of deaths due to coronavirus in Iran.

The chief secretary said that all the departments concerned were working day and night to prevent the spread of COVID-19 as the issue related not only to the province but the entire country.

He noted that reports of coronavirus in the neighboring country was a disturbing fact as the border between Pakistan and Iran was interlinked and commuters routinely cross over on both sides.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 26^th, 2020.