Pakistan regrets Indian negative remarks on goodwill suggestion of PM

Pakistan regrets Indian negative remarks on goodwill suggestion of Prime Minister Imran Khan to share the country’s successful experience in ameliorating impact of COVID-19 on the poorest sections of the society.

Foreign Office Spokesperson Aisha Farooqui said the Indian External Affairs Ministry’s remarks reflected an  unprofessional attempt of point-scoring.

Pakistan regrets Indian negative remarks

In a statement on Friday, she underlined it a serious issue that involves lives of millions of poor people in the sub-continent,  the COVID-19 pandemic affected them the most.

She said the Prime Minister’s suggestion was in the backdrop of a study by a reputable U.S. University that highlighted the impact of COVID-19 lockdowns on Indian households especially the poorest sections of the society and effectiveness of direct cash transfers and food to the poor families affected by lockdowns.

Aisha Farooqui mentioned that international agencies have appreciated positive impact of the Government of Pakistan’s direct cash transfer of 120 billion rupees to 10 million poor families in most transparent manner.

The Prime Minister’s offer at this challenging time of a global pandemic was in consonance with the initiative for sharing national experiences among SAARC member countries in dealing with the impact of COVID-19.

She said Indian external Affairs ministry’s response to Prime Minister Imran Khan’s suggestion is inconsistent with the stated position of their own leadership.

The spokesperson emphasized the global pandemic a common challenge that demands serious efforts.

It also demands honest sharing of national experiences among countries while rising above petty point-scoring.

GTV