China role model for Pakistan in COVID-19 fight: Asad Umar

by Shafqat Ali

ISLAMABAD, July 10 (Gwadar Pro) – Federal Minister for Planning and Development and Head of the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) Asad Umar said China is a role model for Pakistan in the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic.

Speaking to Gwadar Pro on Friday evening, he said China had defeated COVID-19 with determination and discipline.

“They (Chinese) are a role model for us. They have taught us how to do it. We are following them but unfortunately, our people are not taking the pandemic seriously. We have a new fourth wave challenge,” he said.

Umar said China had given preferential treatment to Pakistan regarding the COVID-19 vaccines which helped the Pakistani government control the pandemic to a large extent.

Earlier in the day, Umar said that the government feared a fourth COVID-19 wave hitting the country.

 “Now there are clear early signs of 4th wave starting,” he said and blamed it on the poor SOPs compliance, coupled with the spread of variants of concern, Delta variant in particular.

NCOC head further said that field reports were showing a complete disregard of the condition of vaccination for those attending indoor weddings, restaurants and gyms.

“If the owners of these facilities do not show responsibility and ensure compliance, there will be no choice but to shut them down,” Asad Umar said.

On July 08, Prime Minister Imran Khan had addressed the nation, where he spoke of the global pandemic and the situation in the country.  

PM said delta variant was of grave concern for the government. He advised to wear mask as Eid ul-Azha approaches.

Pakistan is expecting to receive five million more doses of coronavirus vaccine from China this month.

Chinese vaccine companies will provide five million vaccines in two consignments to Pakistan, the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) said.

The first of these vaccine consignments from Chine is likely to arrive after July 23.