G-B receives medical aid from China to fight spread of coronavirus

Donation includes 0.2m ordinary face masks, 2,000 N-95 masks, five ventilators, 2,000 COVID-19 testing kits, etc

ABBOTTABAD: The Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) government on Friday received a large number of medical gears donated by Chinese Xinjiang officials to cope with the coronavirus crisis as so far over 100 positive cases surfaced in the mountainous region.

G-B Chief Minister Hafiz Hafeezur Rehman accompanied by civil administration and Pakistan Army officials received the consignment at Khunjerab Pass, a border area between China and Pakistan.

The donation consists of 0.2 million ordinary face masks, 2,000 N-95 masks, five ventilators, 2,000 COVID-19 testing kits and medical protective gears.

Chinese embassy in Pakistan also confirmed the development in a tweet saying: "This is the friendship higher than mountains."

#ChinaPakSolidarity China in Action: 2 tons of masks, test kits, ventilators, medical protective clothes worthing 67 million rupees successfully handed over at Khunjerab. This is the friendship higher than mountains! @ArifAlvi @ImranKhanPTI @ForeignOfficePk @zfrmrza @MFA_China pic.twitter.com/CAiSza82Td

— Chinese Emb Pakistan (@CathayPak) March 27, 2020

#ChinaPakSolidarity China in Action: The Pakistani helicopters arrived at the Khunjerab Pass in the harsh weather condition! @ArifAlvi @ImranKhanPTI @ForeignOfficePk @zfrmrza @MFA_China @GovernorGB @CMGBPK pic.twitter.com/1ycCQNPNXA

— Chinese Emb Pakistan (@CathayPak) March 27, 2020

The G-B CM while talking to media on the occasion said, "This is a critical time for the government to fight against spread of coronavirus with lack of medical facilities and equipment."

So far, the region has confirmed 103 coronavirus cases with authorities had imposed Section 144 to discourage the public gatherings, shutting markets, schools, transport and unnecessary travel.

CM Rehman thanked the Chinese government and Xinjiang governor for helping the region, saying the neighbouring country has proved that China and Pakistan are true friends during this testing times.

"This is an example of our relation and the people of Pakistan are thankful to the Chinese government for their support."

Moreover, G-B Information Minister Shams Mir said that the medical equipment would be distributed in different areas of the region as per their requirement.

The border was opened only for receiving the consignment and would be closed again, he added.