Japan lauds Pakistan’s successful handling of pandemic

Japanese envoy welcomes Islamabad’s decision to reopen educational institutions by Sept 15

ISLAMABAD:

Japanese Ambassador Matsuda Kuninori on Wednesday praised the government of Pakistan on successful handling of coronavirus pandemic including its decision to reopen educational institutions by mid of the month.

“The reopening of educational institutions in phases after a long break due to the coronavirus is a welcome step and it is hoped that students will be back to their schools, colleges and universities very soon,” he said in a statement.

The ambassador stressed the need for further collaboration between the governments of Japan and Pakistan to successfully handle any future challenges with collective efforts.

He emphasised that the education sector was a priority for the government of Japan.

The government of Japan partnering with JICA, the government of Pakistan, UNHCR, UNICEF and non-governmental organisations has continuously offered support for improving Pakistan’s educational infrastructure through the provision of school buildings, teaching materials and training to promote schooling for the youths in Pakistan including refugees and girls.

Educational institutions in the country will begin reopening in phases from the next week, Federal Minister for Education Shafqat Mahmood announced on Monday.

Mahmood clarified that the decision would be applicable to all the educational institutions of both public and private sectors, besides vocational centres and religious seminaries, “which would enable millions of students to resume studies after a hiatus of around six months”.

The education minister warned punitive action against educational institutions not following precautionary measures.

Last month, Pakistan opened gyms, salons and restaurants dine-in for the first time in five months after being closed to stop the spread of coronavirus.