Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi went on self-isolation for five days on Wednesday upon return from China amid rising cases of coronavirus, saying "he is completely healthy but voluntarily decided to quarantine himself to give a message".
However, through a letter, the Chinese Embassy in Islamabad informed the Foreign Office that the test results of all the 18-member delegation accompanied President Dr Arif Alivi to China in his visit from March 16-17, are negative who were tested twice against the COVID-19 upon their arrival in China.
Speaking at a recorded presser, Foreign Minister Qureshi said that coronavirus pandemic was a global challenge and urged the countrymen to show unity to fight against the pandemic.
"Pakistan will succeed in battle against the coronavirus," he expressed the optimism. About his decision to quarantine himself, the foreign minister said although, he was completely alright and healthy, through the voluntary self-isolation he wanted to give a message and promote awareness that all should follow the guidance provided by the experts.
"I am not doing this for myself, but for the people surrounding me, my family, and my friends. I am playing a responsible role and we should all do the same, Qureshi added.
Highlighting the importance of "social distancing" to tackle the problem, he urged nation to follow guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO).
The foreign minister also appreciated the steps taken by Sindh government and urged to work together in order to prevent the outbreak of the virus.
About President Dr Arif Alvi's recent visit to China, he said that during the talks, the Chinese leadership thanked Pakistan for the emotional support at a difficult time and also assured that China would also stand by Pakistan at this difficult time.
He said that the Chinese leadership also lauded Pakistan's decision of not evacuating its students from China. "The Chinese leadership appreciated Pakistan for standing with them in their difficult time and also stated that now they said, if you need our help, we will stand with you, shoulder to shoulder," he said, adding that China offered Pakistan its expertise, medical supplies, including testing kits, protective gear, and medical equipment.
He said Pakistan should "acknowledge that this [coronavirus] challenge is of a global nature", noting that developed countries including Italy and the United States were in a crisis despite having more resources.
"When coronavirus crisis was at its peak in China, the Chinese government issued precautionary directions, which were extensively followed by the people. Their people did not criticize the measures," he said, adding that there would be difficulties for the people in limiting themselves to their homes, "but all need to follow the instructions".
The foreign minister urged the nation to unite in the battle against coronavirus, adding that: "We will not be able to fight [against coronavirus] if we are divided...We will succeed if we fight together, when the federal, provincial governments, common man and institutions work together."
Meanwhile, the Chinese Embassy in Islamabad informed the Foreign Office through a letter that according to the instruction of the Chinese government, that all the 18 members of the Pakistani official delegation including crew members who visited China from 16 to 17 March, 2020, had received COVID-19 tests in both throat swab and blood test forms in China twice, and the results of all the tests of every member were negative.
"The Embassy of the People's Republic of China avails itself of this opportunity to renew to the esteemed ministry the assurances of its highest consideration," the letter added.
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