PM Imran, Abu Dhabi crown prince discuss Covid-19 pandemic, debt relief

Prime Minister Imran Khan and Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al Nahyan on Monday discussed matters related to the global outbreak of Covid-19, and prospects of enhanced bilateral cooperation to address the pandemic.

The deliberation was held during a telephone call made by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) prince to the premier.

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 Imran lauded the steps being taken by the UAE authorities to curtail the spread of the pandemic.

He also informed Mohammed bin Zayed about the latest situation of outbreak of the virus in Pakistan and the steps taken by the government for its containment.

The premier underscored that 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.

He highlighted his call for the Global Initiative on Debt Relief for developing countries to help mitigate such consequences and to shore up economies.

With regard to worsening human rights and humanitarian situation in Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IOJ&K), PM Imran 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 that the recent domicile law in IOJ&K was in clear violation of relevant UN Security Council resolutions and 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 IOJ&K.

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.