COVID-19 pandemic is inflicting unparalleled human suffering: PM Khan
Image Credits; Associated Press of Pakistan
Islamabad September 29 (Online): Prime Minister Imran Khan while addressing a high level event on Tuesday said the COVID-19 pandemic is inflicting unparalleled human suffering, adding that controlling the virus is critical to addressing both the health and the economic emergency.
The Prime Minister said in Pakistan, our strategy of “smart lockdowns” has fortunately controlled the spread of the virus. Yet, we are not complacent. No one is safe until everyone is safe.
“I hope a vaccine will be available soon. Everyone, everywhere, must have equitable and affordable access to the vaccine, as a global public good”, Imran Khan said.
The COVID crisis has triggered the worst recession since the 1930s Great Depression. As usual, the poorest countries and the poorest people have been hit the hardest. Despite our financial constraints, we have injected over $8 billion – 3% of our GDP – to protect the poor and keep the economy running.
“Debt relief is one of the quickest ways to create fiscal space for developing countries. Therefore, in April, I called for a “Global Initiative on Debt Relief”, he added.
Pakistan subsequently initiated discussions on this matter at the UN, and co-led the Discussion Group on Debt Vulnerability under your Initiative.
I welcome the extensive “Menu of Options” identified by each of the six Discussion Groups. We must prioritize those actions that can have a significant impact and can be quickly implemented.
