ISLAMABAD: As part of his initiative to reach out to overseas Pakistanis, and in the context of 14th August celebrations, the Foreign Minister honoured 86 overseas Pakistanis from the world over for contributing to combating the Covid-19 pandemic, the Foreign Office said.

Individuals and organisations that had assisted in alleviating the suffering of humanity during these challenging times in any form or manner were recognised for their efforts.

Categories of honourees included those being recognised posthumously; medical professionals; donors; facilitators, and associations.

While interacting with the honourees at a webinar hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi underlined that overseas Pakistanis were an important asset for the country.

Lauding their exceptional selflessness and generosity, he noted that their acts of kindness, performed without any consideration for reward or recognition, in the face of difficult circumstances, exemplified the true nature and spirit of the Pakistani nation.

He declared such individuals and groups of Pakistanis to be the heroes of the nation, and the real ambassadors of the country.

The foreign minister apprised participants of the steps taken by the govt to combat the Covid-19 pandemic, including inter-alia, the policy of TTQ (testing, tracing and quarantine) and smart lockdowns, stimulus to select industries; financial relief to the underprivileged in the shape of the Ehsaas programme.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2020