COVID-19: Pakistan expresses concern over lack of medical supplies, assistance in IOK

FO says Pakistan has made the decision to facilitate the movement of cargo trucks into Afghanistan, thrice a week

Foreign Office Spokesperson Aisha Farooqui on Thursday expressed concern over the lack of medical supplies and assistance in Indian Occupied Kashmir amid a rise in coronavirus cases.

During her weekly press briefing, the spokesperson said the occupied region has reported 170 confirmed cases and five deaths.

She said voices from within India and the international community have condemned the inhumane treatment being meted out to the people of Kashmir at the hands of the Indian government, adding that six international human rights organisations have demanded the release of all those arrested to contain the spread of the virus.

Condemning the Indian government's recently introduced domicile law, Farooqui termed the move an attempt to change the demographic structure of the occupied region. She said it is a clear violation of international laws and the United Nations Security Council resolutions.

She rubbished Indian media reports linking Pakistan to the terrorist attack on a temple in Kabul last week, adding that Pakistan has suffered the most and has fought the hardest against terrorism from across the border.

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"Pakistan firmly believes that such despicable terrorist acts have no political, religious or moral justification. We are very well aware of India's continuous smear campaign against us but are confident that these tactics will not succeed in misleading the world community," she said.

Torkham border; repatriation

The spokesperson further maintained that Pakistan has made the decision to facilitate the movement of cargo trucks and containers into Afghanistan through Torkham and Chaman borders, thrice a week from tomorrow.

She said a comprehensive plan is in action to repatriate stranded Pakistanis. Under this plan, so far 194 nationals have returned from Istanbul, 170 from Bangkok, 128 from Tashkent, 136 from Baghdad, 101 from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and 40 from Doha through special flights operated by the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA).