These are tough times for everyone. And the only way to get through these times in good spirit is by helping those that need our support and help the most. In this spirit, our Pak Army has extended hands in helping the US fight COVID-19 by donating them PPE supplies.
Surgical masks and protective suits
The PPE including surgical masks and protective suits was sent to the United States through a C-130 plane. These surgical supplies were handed over to the Senior US officials at the Andrews Air Base in Washington DC. Officials of Pakistan armed forces and diplomatic corps were there to do the honors. Gestures like these have always made amends with sore friends, and Pakistan is not the one to step back from taking the higher road.
US Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs (SCA)
In this tweet by the US Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs (SCA), one can readily see the positive response and better tomorrow ahead:
Appreciate Pakistan’s goodwill donation of surgical masks and protective suits to @FEMA. This delivery is a symbol of U.S.-Pakistan solidarity in the fight against COVID-19. #WeAreInThisTogether #Partners4Prosperity pic.twitter.com/TUk3nTQZgu
— Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) May 21, 2020
Pakistan’s ambassador to the US
In response to the tweet by the US Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs (SCA), Asad M. Khan – the ambassador to the US tweeted,
Thanks for your appreciation Secretary Pompeo. Pakistan and the United States have always worked together to promote common interests and counter common challenges. It is no surprise that #WeAreInThisTogether in the fight against COVID-19 as well! ????@ForeignOfficePk https://t.co/ZykLq7P6PZ
— Asad M. Khan (@asadmk17) May 21, 2020
Earlier today he also tweeted:
Today, Pakistan Armed Forces gifted a plane load of PPE to U.S. Armed Forces as a token of friendship & solidarity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Senior US officials joined our team at the hand-over ceremony at Andrews Air Base. @OfficialDGISPR @ForeignOfficePk@fema @StateDept pic.twitter.com/yWQzX3SMht
— Asad M. Khan (@asadmk17) May 21, 2020
(PRGMEA) Chief Coordinator Ijaz A Khokhar
Pakistan Readymade Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PRGMEA) Chief Coordinator Ijaz A Khokhar mentioned the talk of international inquiries. The inquiries demanded some share from the entire stock of PPE supplies of Pakistan, which happened earlier this month.
According to a source, Ijaz A Khokhar, the chief coordinator (PRGMEA) said: “it is high time that we switch over our production to PPE to capture the demanding market share”. He also pointed out that the government of Pakistan should adopt an aggressive approach. They should open the export of PPE. Then he further added the details, mentioning the types of PPE – both non-woven and woven fabric, in multiple colors mainly white, light blue, and light green.
Earlier today he also said:
Fully Support your idea to lifting of ban on exports our competitor countries making huge exports of PPE equipments.
— Ijaz A. Khokhar (@IjazAKhokhar2) May 21, 2020
According to a source, he also said, “There was a huge demand for coveralls, gowns for doctors, patients, nurses, cleaning staff uniforms as well as other disposable wearables. We need to take daring steps at this juncture to capture the market share.” Not many days since then that the government practically worked on it to manufacture and export the most avid need of these times.
People’s response
Ever since this news got out, people are supporting the gesture of the Pakistan army. Let’s have a look:
@kaashifSkhalid
Friendship Forever ???? ??— Samar Abbas (@Samarjournalist) May 21, 2020
Pakistan & USA have always shared strong friendly diplomatic relations. In spite of all adverse narratives, both countries will enjoy & cherish good relation forever. @SecPompeo is doing great job keeping its ally close in this hard time.
— Kashif Sarmad (@kaashifSkhalid) May 21, 2020
Pakistan is always there for humanity.
May Allah have His mercy on us and may the world come out of this mess and may humanity be saved. Ameen.
— Sohail A. ? (@SohailAnwer) May 21, 2020
Very nice gesture from Pakistan considering our tenuous relationship. Perhaps it’s bcuz’ @mikepompeo has great diplomacy SKILLZ. We have faith that @SecPompeo will ultimately get the holy grail: the jailed Doctor who helped identify Bin Laden DNA in Abbottabad. I’d bet on it
— RebelChick (@RebelChick1111) May 21, 2020
All in support
We love American people
Very kind n generous n smart
A brave nation— HAFIZ SOHAIL WAHEED (@HAFIZSOHAILWAH1) May 21, 2020
Pakistan & USA have always shared strong friendly diplomatic relations. In spite of all adverse narratives, both countries will enjoy & cherish good relation forever.@SecPompeo is doing great job keeping its ally close in this hard time.
— Zubair Khan Balouch (@ZubairKBalouch) May 22, 2020
We will fight together with this pandemic ✌️
— Ali Awan (@AliAwan2017) May 21, 2020
While we see some staining the image of the Pakistan army, we also get such news as well, that restore our faith in our army. We await to hear such good news every now and then. And we fully support this decision to help the US in need.
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