While hoping for the best, we have to prepare for the worst: Pakistan Minister at SAARC conference on COVID19
New Delhi/IBNS: Joining the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation leaders video conference on tackling coronavirus outbreak challenge, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Health Dr Zafar Mirza on Sunday said the nations in the region should not only hope for the best but also prepare for the worst situation.
"While hoping for the best, we have to prepare for the worst," he said.
"Pakistan shares common concern over the potential of COVID19 affecting South Asia," he said.
"All our countries have confirmed cases. There is no room for any complacency," Mirza said.
The video conference, which was proposed by Indian PM Narendra Modi, was attended by leaders of all the SAARC nations.
Modi proposed to establish a COVID 19 emergency fund.
He said: " I propose we create a COVID-19 Emergency Fund. This could be based on voluntary contributions from all of us. India can start with an initial offer of 10 million US dollars for this fund," he said.
Asking all the SAARC nations to work together, the Indian PM said: " It is clear that we have to work together. We can respond best by – Coming together not growing apart."
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