FM Qureshi says coronavirus will 'hit its peak' in May, June

Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Quershi on Wednesday warned that the coronavirus is expected to hit a peak in the months of May and June.

Qureshi said Pakistan has not hit its highest level in terms of reported cases for coronavirus so far, but the numbers might climb up in the coming months of May and June.

“We have to formulate our strategies while considering all these factors,” the minister asserted, noting that Pakistan is a poverty-stricken country and cannot survive a lockdown for an extended period of time.

Also read: Chinese state councilor assures FM Qureshi of continued support amid pandemic

Sindh Health Minister Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho however warned that a premature ease in lockdown could lead to disastrous consequences, especially when the coming months of May and June are expected to bring a surge in infections.

FM hopeful of repatriating more Pakistanis soon

FM Qureshi also informed that currently around 2,000 Pakistanis are being repatriated per week, but with extensive testing facilities and resumption of airport operations, upto 60,000 stranded Pakistani expats can be brought back home.

“We are trying our level best to facilitate stranded Pakistanis since we are fully aware of their predicament,” the minister said, adding that the increase in coronavirus testing facilities will help the situation further.

Also read: Qureshi urges French counterpart to lift sanctions against Iran due to coronavirus