Pakistan confronted with dual challenges: NDMA chief

By Masood Sattar Khan 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Pakistan was confronted with dual challenges, COVID-19 and Locust plague, Lt. General Muhammad Afzal, Chairman, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), shared with the Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan, Yao Jing. 

“At present, Pakistan is facing the double challenge of the epidemic situation and the locust disaster. China has provided Pakistan with a large amount of anti-epidemic and locust extermination materials to effectively help Pakistan to deal with these challenges,” the NDMA Chairman remarked during his meeting with the Chinese diplomat in Islamabad. 

He thanked China for their strong and continued support for Pakistan’s fight against the New Coronary Pneumonia epidemic and the locust plague, according to a statement issued by the Chinese embassy. 

“Whenever Pakistan faces difficulties, China always stands up and proves the hardcore friendship between China and Pakistan with practical actions. Pakistan will further study China's anti-epidemic experience and improve the level of disaster prevention and control in the country,” the NDMA Chairman added. 

Ambassador Yao reiterated that China and Pakistan were good brothers and partners who looked forward to each other and worked together. 

“When China was first hit by the New Coronary Pneumonia epidemic, all walks of life in Pakistan expressed their understanding, support and assistance to China. We are deeply grateful for the timely support and we are willing to continue to actively support Pakistan in responding to disasters and help Pakistan gradually resume economic development,” he stated..