Govt reviewing steps to repatriate stranded Pakistani nationals: Qureshi

Says govt is formulating a strategy in case international flight operations resume on April 4

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Friday said the government is reviewing steps to repatriate Pakistani nationals stranded in foreign countries as airlines curtailed their services due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

The foreign minister said this while chairing a high-level meeting to address the challenges faced by the coronavirus pandemic in the country.

Qureshi said a detailed discussion was held at a meeting of the National Coordination Committee chaired by Prime Minister Imran Khan and the decision was taken to ban international flights to prevent the spread of the virus.

He further stated that a sub-committee was constituted to assess the situation and formulate a strategy in case international flight operations resume on April 4.



“We decided not to bring back the stranded Pakistani students in Wuhan, the same students are praising our decision today,” he said.

Qureshi added flight operations have been suspended worldwide due to the lockdown in many countries but proposals unanimously presented during the meeting will be presented for approval during the next meeting of the National Coordination Committee.

Health Minister Zafar Mirza also briefed officials on the nature and risks of the outbreak. National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Chairman Lieutenant General Muhammad Afzal informed the participants about preparations made to screen travellers and quarantine facilities established to curb the spread of the virus.

"On one hand, the capacity to test for coronavirus is increasing, but on the other hand, the number of infected patients is also increasing rapidly," the foreign minister said.

Federal Minister for Aviation Ghulam Sarwar Khan, Health Minister Zafar Mirza, SAPM on Overseas Pakistani’s Syed Zulfiqar Bukhari, NDMA Chairman Lt Gen Muhammad Afzal and senior Foreign Ministry officials were present at the meeting.