Prime Minister Imran Khan has said without immediate, coordinated and comprehensive actions to create fiscal space, the developing world may have to contend with dire social, political and economic consequences of the pandemic.
The PM expressed these views during a telephonic conversation with Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al Nahyan who phoned him on Monday to discuss matters related to the global outbreak of Covid-19 and prospects of enhanced bilateral cooperation to address the pandemic.
The prime minister also highlighted his call for the "Global Initiative on Debt Relief" for developing countries to help mitigate such consequences and to shore up economies. Mohammed bin Zayed also shared his condolences on the tragic accident of PIA plane in Karachi causing loss of 97 lives.
While thanking the crown prince for pardoning Pakistani prisoners and timely repatriation of citizens from the UAE, PM Khan lauded the steps being taken by the UAE authorities to curtail the spread of the pandemic.
The PM also informed Mohammed bin Zayed about the latest situation of Covid-19 in Pakistan, and the steps taken by the government for its containment.
With regard to worsening human rights and humanitarian situation in Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IOK), the prime minister shared Pakistan's concerns over intensified repression and military crackdown as well as India's moves to alter the demographic structure of the disputed territory.
He said the recent domicile law in IOK was a sheer violation of relevant UN Security Council resolutions and the international law, including the 4th Geneva Convention.
The prime minister lauded the recent statements of Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and other international bodies, which showed serious concerns about the situation in the IOK.
He also highlighted demonisation of Muslims in India in the context of Covid-19, underlining that it should be rejected by the international community. The two leaders agreed to work closely for effective containment of the coronavirus outbreak, and strengthening of bilateral cooperation.
Earlier, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also phoned the Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday and offered condolences on the tragic crash of the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) plane in Karachi, and conveyed the Turkish nation's strong support to its Pakistani brethren in this difficult time, according to an official statement.
While talking to Turkish president, PM Imran Khan said a comprehensive coordinated plan of action on debt relief and restructuring was needed to stave off socio-economic turbulence as the Covid-19 pandemic may wreak economic havoc all over the world.
Talking to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, PM Khan reiterated his call for "Global Initiative on Debt Relief" for developing countries aimed at helping them cope with the challenges.
The two leaders also exchanged greetings on the occasion of Eidul Fitr. They further agreed to enhance bilateral cooperation against the Covid-19 pandemic to jointly address the situation.
PM Imran briefed the Turkish president on the steps taken to control the spread of Covid-19 in Pakistan. He thanked President Erdogan for providing valuable medical equipment, which was reflective of historic linkages between the two countries to help each other in times of need. Khan briefed President Erdogan on the worsening human rights situation in Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IOK) accentuated by double lockdown and intensified military crackdown.