PM Imran, his Canadian counterpart Trudeau discuss pandemic over phone

Premier thanks Canada for its support for Pakistan’s inclusion in the G20’s debt relief initiative

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan and his Canadian counterpart Prime Minister Justin Trudeau discussed the situation arising out of the Covid-19 pandemic and other matters of mutual interest over telephone on Sunday night.

Offering deep condolences over the loss of precious lives, Prime Minister Imran underscored that the pandemic was an unprecedented calamity, necessitating closer international cooperation, said a statement issued by his office.

Pakistan along with other developing countries was confronted with the twin challenge of saving lives and containing the infection, while simultaneously shoring up the economy, the premier was quoted as saying during the conversation.

Pakistan condemns media harassment in Occupied Kashmir on Press Freedom Day

Prime Minister Imran thanked Canada for its support for Pakistan’s inclusion in the G20’s debt relief initiative. Underlining the need to create greater fiscal space for developing countries to save lives, and undertake coordinated action to ward off socioeconomic challenges, the premier hoped that Canada would lend support to the ‘Global Initiative for Debt Relief.’

The two leaders also discussed the status of repatriation of each other’s nationals from their respective countries. Both appreciated the facilitation provided by the two sides in this context.

Prime Minister Imran expressed deep concern over demonisation of the Muslim minority in India in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic. He also apprised his Canadian counterpart of the situation in Indian Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IOJ&K), where the communication restrictions and lack of unfettered access to medical and other essential supplies were compounding the Covid-19 challenge for the Kashmiris.

The two leaders agreed to remain closely engaged on all matters of common interest.